What do you think?
Rate this book
Pennyroyal Green #4
I Kissed an Earl
Violet Redmond's family and fortune might be formidable and her beauty and wit matchless—but her infamous flair for mischief keeps all but the most lionhearted suitors at bay. Only Violet knows what will assuage her restlessness: a man who doesn't bore her to tears, and a clue to the fate of her missing brother. She never dreamed she'd find both with a man whose own pedigree is far from impeccable.
"Savage" is what the women of the ton whisper about the newly styled Earl of Ardmay—albeit with shivers of pleasure. Born an English bastard, raised on the high seas, he's on a mission to capture a notorious pirate for vengeance. But while Violet's belief in her brother's innocence maddens him, her courage awes him . . . and her sensuality finally undoes him. Now the man who once lost everything and the girl who has everything to lose are bound by a passion that could either end in betrayal . . . or become everything they ever dreamed.
"Savage" is what the women of the ton whisper about the newly styled Earl of Ardmay—albeit with shivers of pleasure. Born an English bastard, raised on the high seas, he's on a mission to capture a notorious pirate for vengeance. But while Violet's belief in her brother's innocence maddens him, her courage awes him . . . and her sensuality finally undoes him. Now the man who once lost everything and the girl who has everything to lose are bound by a passion that could either end in betrayal . . . or become everything they ever dreamed.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2010
215 people are currently reading
2590 people want to read
About the author
Julie Anne Long
39 books2,963 followersWell, where should I start? I've lived in San Francisco for more than a decade, usually with at least one cat. I won the school spelling bee when I was in 7th grade; the word that clinched it was 'ukulele.' I originally set out to be a rock star when I grew up (I had a Bono fixation, but who didn't?), and I have the guitars and the questionable wardrobe stuffed in the back of my closet to prove it.
But writing was always my first love.
I was editor of my elementary school paper (believe it or not, Mrs. Little's fifth grade class at Glenmoor Elementary did have one); my high school paper (along with my best high school bud, Cindy Jorgenson); and my college paper, where our long-suffering typesetter finally forced me to learn how to typeset because my articles were usually late (and thus I probably have him to thank for all the desktop publishing jobs that ensued over the years).
Won a couple of random awards along the way: the Bank of America English Award in High School (which basically just amounted to a fancy plaque saying that I was really, really good at English); and an award for best Sports Feature article in a College Newspaper (and anyone who knows me well understands how deeply ironic that is). I began my academic career as a Journalism major; I switched to Creative Writing, which was a more comfortable fit for my freewheeling imagination and overdeveloped sense of whimsy. I dreamed of being a novelist.
But most of us, I think, tend to take for granted the things that come easily to us. I loved writing and all indications were that I was pretty good at it, but I, thank you very much, wanted to be a rock star. Which turned out to be ever-so-slightly harder to do than writing. A lot more equipment was involved, that's for sure. Heavy things, with knobs. It also involved late nights, fetid, graffiti-sprayed practice rooms, gorgeous flakey boys, bizarre gigs, in-fighting—what's not to love?
But my dream of being a published writer never faded. When the charm (ahem) of playing to four people in a tiny club at midnight on a Wednesday finally wore thin, however, I realized I could incorporate all the best things about being in a band — namely, drama, passion, and men with unruly hair — into novels, while at the same time indulging my love of history and research.
So I wrote The Runaway Duke, sent it to a literary agent (see the story here), who sold it to Warner Books a few months after that...which made 2003 one of the most extraordinary, head-spinning years I've ever had.
Why romance? Well, like most people, I read across many genres, but I've been an avid romance reader since I got in trouble for sneaking a Rosemary Rogers novel out of my mom's nightstand drawer (I think it was Sweet Savage Love). Rosemary Rogers, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Laurie McBain...I cut my romance teeth on those ladies. And in general, I take a visceral sort of pleasure in creating a hero and a heroine, putting them through their emotional paces, and watching their relationship develop on the page. And of course, there's much to be said for the happy ending. :)
And why Regency Historicals? Well, for starters, I think we can blame Jane Austen. Her inimitable wit, compassion and vision brought the Regency vividly to life for generations of readers. If Jane Austen had written romances about Incas, for instance, I think, we'd have racks and racks of Inca romances in bookstores all over the country, and Warner Forever would be the Inca Romance line.
But I'm a history FREAK, in general. I read more history, to be perfectly honest, than fiction (when I have time to read!) these days. When we were little, my sister and I used to play "Littl
But writing was always my first love.
I was editor of my elementary school paper (believe it or not, Mrs. Little's fifth grade class at Glenmoor Elementary did have one); my high school paper (along with my best high school bud, Cindy Jorgenson); and my college paper, where our long-suffering typesetter finally forced me to learn how to typeset because my articles were usually late (and thus I probably have him to thank for all the desktop publishing jobs that ensued over the years).
Won a couple of random awards along the way: the Bank of America English Award in High School (which basically just amounted to a fancy plaque saying that I was really, really good at English); and an award for best Sports Feature article in a College Newspaper (and anyone who knows me well understands how deeply ironic that is). I began my academic career as a Journalism major; I switched to Creative Writing, which was a more comfortable fit for my freewheeling imagination and overdeveloped sense of whimsy. I dreamed of being a novelist.
But most of us, I think, tend to take for granted the things that come easily to us. I loved writing and all indications were that I was pretty good at it, but I, thank you very much, wanted to be a rock star. Which turned out to be ever-so-slightly harder to do than writing. A lot more equipment was involved, that's for sure. Heavy things, with knobs. It also involved late nights, fetid, graffiti-sprayed practice rooms, gorgeous flakey boys, bizarre gigs, in-fighting—what's not to love?
But my dream of being a published writer never faded. When the charm (ahem) of playing to four people in a tiny club at midnight on a Wednesday finally wore thin, however, I realized I could incorporate all the best things about being in a band — namely, drama, passion, and men with unruly hair — into novels, while at the same time indulging my love of history and research.
So I wrote The Runaway Duke, sent it to a literary agent (see the story here), who sold it to Warner Books a few months after that...which made 2003 one of the most extraordinary, head-spinning years I've ever had.
Why romance? Well, like most people, I read across many genres, but I've been an avid romance reader since I got in trouble for sneaking a Rosemary Rogers novel out of my mom's nightstand drawer (I think it was Sweet Savage Love). Rosemary Rogers, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Laurie McBain...I cut my romance teeth on those ladies. And in general, I take a visceral sort of pleasure in creating a hero and a heroine, putting them through their emotional paces, and watching their relationship develop on the page. And of course, there's much to be said for the happy ending. :)
And why Regency Historicals? Well, for starters, I think we can blame Jane Austen. Her inimitable wit, compassion and vision brought the Regency vividly to life for generations of readers. If Jane Austen had written romances about Incas, for instance, I think, we'd have racks and racks of Inca romances in bookstores all over the country, and Warner Forever would be the Inca Romance line.
But I'm a history FREAK, in general. I read more history, to be perfectly honest, than fiction (when I have time to read!) these days. When we were little, my sister and I used to play "Littl
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 564 reviews
February 13, 2017
I knocked off a star because Violet, our "heroine", is a spoiled child for most of the book. She has spent her life coddled and adored by all and is always doing stupid shit for attention. So, I had to make peace with the fact that she was going to end up with Captain McDreamy off the S.S. Sexypants. *Sigh* Sometimes life isn't fair.
YES!! Yes, I do.
Violet meets Captain McDreamy at a ball where she is terribly bored because every man loves her and she is finding it monotonous to bat them around like toys. She overhears some things that lead her to believe that her oldest brother, Lyon, is actually a pirate that McDreamy is going in search of. Lyon broke his family's hearts when he disappeared a year ago - around the same time this pirate went into business. She decides that the best thing to do is stowaway on the SS Sexypants in order to meet up with her brother.
Uh huh.... Who exactly is in charge of this "great plan"?
She may be an unwanted stowaway, but she is still rich and spoiled. She expects better accommodations - her room is unacceptable. She expects the men to give up part of their food rations to feed her. She also feels that she is above having to obey the Captain's orders, even when she endangers him and everyone else onboard.
I hear that's going around.
Luckily, McDreamy is a pretty smart guy. He puts her to work - in the kitchen. The only meal preparation she has ever participated in is accepting elaborate food handed to her by a white-gloved servant. Her peeling potatoes all day - everyday - was the only thing that made me happy. *evil laugh*
That's right, princess. Most people have to work to eat.
Of course they fall in love. And, of course, their love cannot be... blah blah blah...
It all works out in the end. The very end. I think I have mentioned this before, but who do I have to kill to get this author to write an f-ing epilogue? They always end so abruptly.
YES!! Yes, I do.
Violet meets Captain McDreamy at a ball where she is terribly bored because every man loves her and she is finding it monotonous to bat them around like toys. She overhears some things that lead her to believe that her oldest brother, Lyon, is actually a pirate that McDreamy is going in search of. Lyon broke his family's hearts when he disappeared a year ago - around the same time this pirate went into business. She decides that the best thing to do is stowaway on the SS Sexypants in order to meet up with her brother.
Uh huh.... Who exactly is in charge of this "great plan"?
She may be an unwanted stowaway, but she is still rich and spoiled. She expects better accommodations - her room is unacceptable. She expects the men to give up part of their food rations to feed her. She also feels that she is above having to obey the Captain's orders, even when she endangers him and everyone else onboard.
I hear that's going around.
Luckily, McDreamy is a pretty smart guy. He puts her to work - in the kitchen. The only meal preparation she has ever participated in is accepting elaborate food handed to her by a white-gloved servant. Her peeling potatoes all day - everyday - was the only thing that made me happy. *evil laugh*
That's right, princess. Most people have to work to eat.
Of course they fall in love. And, of course, their love cannot be... blah blah blah...
It all works out in the end. The very end. I think I have mentioned this before, but who do I have to kill to get this author to write an f-ing epilogue? They always end so abruptly.
September 24, 2020
Let's start this off with the right context. This book is not realistic. It is, however, a fun adventure and perfect for Violet, the smart-as-can-be Redmond (well, I guess they all are), with superhero hidden talents and a penchant for stirring up trouble whether the reason be ennui or curiosity. She is, without a doubt, one of the most fun heroines. Between her regal take-no-shit, perfect hair, her expectations of a suitor that didn't bore her to tears and her abiding love for her family she is an absolute delight.
Asher Flint is harder to get to know, and that is completely fine. I like a mysterious hero. But at his core he's loyal, ambitious, committed, and absolutely sentimental. These two have quite organic interactions and conversations that veer into the deep, in a convincing and material way. I felt the romance and the adventure were balanced. JAL stuns me with the fact that she can write these essential, riveting, tense relationships right along with long sex scenes that make you, well, feel. And they feel new.
I don't know if this is a 5 star book. I do know that it was a 5 star read. It hit me just at in the right way, kept me entertained and delighted. It was a wonderful surprise, read at the right time.
"Perhaps you believe this about Lyon simply because you’ve never been in love, Miss Redmond.”
She looked up sharply. “How do you know I haven’t?”
“Have you?”
He sounded so unflatteringly skeptical it grated. She would have preferred him to sound possessive; she would have preferred him to be wrong.
She would have preferred not to discuss it, in truth, unless he could provide her with some answers about love, because she was genuinely suffering over the question.
“No,” she said, managing with some effort not to sound defensive. “I do unquestionably love my family. I suppose I am very particular. An argument can be made for my own singular character and the challenge in finding a suitable match for me.”
“What a very lengthy and elegant way to call yourself a piece of work, Miss Redmond.” He was insufferably amused.
I swoon. They are just right for me.
Asher Flint is harder to get to know, and that is completely fine. I like a mysterious hero. But at his core he's loyal, ambitious, committed, and absolutely sentimental. These two have quite organic interactions and conversations that veer into the deep, in a convincing and material way. I felt the romance and the adventure were balanced. JAL stuns me with the fact that she can write these essential, riveting, tense relationships right along with long sex scenes that make you, well, feel. And they feel new.
I don't know if this is a 5 star book. I do know that it was a 5 star read. It hit me just at in the right way, kept me entertained and delighted. It was a wonderful surprise, read at the right time.
"Perhaps you believe this about Lyon simply because you’ve never been in love, Miss Redmond.”
She looked up sharply. “How do you know I haven’t?”
“Have you?”
He sounded so unflatteringly skeptical it grated. She would have preferred him to sound possessive; she would have preferred him to be wrong.
She would have preferred not to discuss it, in truth, unless he could provide her with some answers about love, because she was genuinely suffering over the question.
“No,” she said, managing with some effort not to sound defensive. “I do unquestionably love my family. I suppose I am very particular. An argument can be made for my own singular character and the challenge in finding a suitable match for me.”
“What a very lengthy and elegant way to call yourself a piece of work, Miss Redmond.” He was insufferably amused.
I swoon. They are just right for me.
March 16, 2023
Here’s something about me: I’m a little against having a break-in-case-of-emergency book list. If you feel like you might love a book and you find yourself in the mood to read it, why not?! What constitutes an “emergency”?
… With that said, I’m a big ol’ hypocrite, because Julie Anne Long was my break-in-case-of-emergency author. I’ve been waiting for the perfect lull in my reading to get started on this series, and, in this specific case, it was very worth it, lol.
This beautiful book is the story of Violet Redmond, the spunky, clever youngest child of the Redmond family. She has a few older brothers who all have their own books (thank the Lord). One of them, Lyon, disappeared a while ago after having his heart broken by one of the daughters of their rival family, the Everseas.
One night, at a ball, Violet meets Archer Flint, the Earl of Ardmay, the first person to actually intrigue her in a long time. He ends up telling her that he is on the hunt for an English pirate who goes by the name of Le Chat and has been burning English ships. A series of damning information leads Violet to believe that her brother Lyon is Le Chat, and is unexplainably wreaking havoc as a pirate instead of gearing up to inherit their father’s title and estate.
Obviously, the only sound thing for Violet to do is to sneak into Archer’s ship and force him to take her with him on his journey, so that she can find a way to protect her brother. Romance and tension and steaminess ensue, etc. 1000/10.
The author takes such care with every scene. Every interaction is long-winded in the best way, with a careful detailing of each character’s thoughts, intentions, actions and words. As a reader, I felt completely immersed in this world.
Also, I have to talk about Lyon and Olivia’s love story for roughly three hours. The things we learn about them in this book made me want to plunge immediately into their book (which is literally called The Legend of Lyon Redmond, the most epic title in all the land), but the contents of their story in this book were so rich and beautiful that now I’m wondering whether I should read the previous books first.
Except Lyon and Olivia’s book is like, book 11 in the series, and we could literally die at any moment. So, I guess I’m going to be starting it pretty soon.
Anyway, read this book. It’s beautiful. Pass it on.
… With that said, I’m a big ol’ hypocrite, because Julie Anne Long was my break-in-case-of-emergency author. I’ve been waiting for the perfect lull in my reading to get started on this series, and, in this specific case, it was very worth it, lol.
This beautiful book is the story of Violet Redmond, the spunky, clever youngest child of the Redmond family. She has a few older brothers who all have their own books (thank the Lord). One of them, Lyon, disappeared a while ago after having his heart broken by one of the daughters of their rival family, the Everseas.
One night, at a ball, Violet meets Archer Flint, the Earl of Ardmay, the first person to actually intrigue her in a long time. He ends up telling her that he is on the hunt for an English pirate who goes by the name of Le Chat and has been burning English ships. A series of damning information leads Violet to believe that her brother Lyon is Le Chat, and is unexplainably wreaking havoc as a pirate instead of gearing up to inherit their father’s title and estate.
Obviously, the only sound thing for Violet to do is to sneak into Archer’s ship and force him to take her with him on his journey, so that she can find a way to protect her brother. Romance and tension and steaminess ensue, etc. 1000/10.
The author takes such care with every scene. Every interaction is long-winded in the best way, with a careful detailing of each character’s thoughts, intentions, actions and words. As a reader, I felt completely immersed in this world.
Also, I have to talk about Lyon and Olivia’s love story for roughly three hours. The things we learn about them in this book made me want to plunge immediately into their book (which is literally called The Legend of Lyon Redmond, the most epic title in all the land), but the contents of their story in this book were so rich and beautiful that now I’m wondering whether I should read the previous books first.
Except Lyon and Olivia’s book is like, book 11 in the series, and we could literally die at any moment. So, I guess I’m going to be starting it pretty soon.
Anyway, read this book. It’s beautiful. Pass it on.
December 2, 2023
I started off listening to the audio version of the book and did not like the reader and at about the halfway point I switched to the written version. Whatever the cause the first half was boring. Violet was spoiled and irritated me for most of the book. Many of my goodreads friends really enjoyed this book but unfortunately, I don't enjoy travel or road trip stories and now I must include pirates as a mode of transportation. I very much enjoyed the last part of the book as it had a lot of action and the couple finally got together. I liked the urchin and would enjoy JAL writing an urchin book with lords and ladies in supporting roles.
May 4, 2023
3,5 'pirate-ish' stars
I don't really know what to say about this book. I liked it but on the other hand, I just couldn't get into the story. It had an interesting premise, however, not much has happened exactly. And I had a big problem with Violet and Flint's relationship. Not that it was their fault entirely. I liked both of them as individual characters but unfortunately, as a couple, they had a third wheel present at all times.
And here we come to Lyon -the mysterious Redmond heir who just disappeared one day. Apparently, he has been pirating all this time. Because why the hell not? *roll eyes* So, Flint is tasked with bringing Lyon to justice and Violet is trying to save her brother. No matter what they do, one of them wins and the other loses. And pretty much the whole book is about whether Lyon will be caught or not. And let me tell you, I don't give a flying fuck about Lyon. Was I curious about him before? YES. Do I want his book now? NO! I've just read the whole book about him and I, as sure, don't need another. And on top of that, it's the last in the series, so please, not let the whole rest of the series be about him. Please!
Ok, let's now get to Violet and Flint minus Lyon. I enjoyed their slow and passionate seduction but it really didn't need to be that slow. It's a romance book after all. They had many great scenes together, especially when they were trying to make a hell of each other's lives.
I think they could be a wonderful couple if only they got a chance to shine together. But their relationship was like a side story in their own book.
Overall, apart from the unsatisfactory love story, the book was actually quite good. And considering that I'm not very lucky with pirate books, I unexpectedly liked the pirate parts. We even got to see some proper pirate action. Good job!
And lastly, the reason why I rounded up was Lavay. I have never been able to resist sexy Frenchmen.
And despite Flint being sexy and all, I actually wished that Lavay would be a hero. To my utmost delight, I found out that he has his own book
This story, please don't suck or there will be a mutiny.
I don't really know what to say about this book. I liked it but on the other hand, I just couldn't get into the story. It had an interesting premise, however, not much has happened exactly. And I had a big problem with Violet and Flint's relationship. Not that it was their fault entirely. I liked both of them as individual characters but unfortunately, as a couple, they had a third wheel present at all times.
And here we come to Lyon -the mysterious Redmond heir who just disappeared one day. Apparently, he has been pirating all this time. Because why the hell not? *roll eyes* So, Flint is tasked with bringing Lyon to justice and Violet is trying to save her brother. No matter what they do, one of them wins and the other loses. And pretty much the whole book is about whether Lyon will be caught or not. And let me tell you, I don't give a flying fuck about Lyon. Was I curious about him before? YES. Do I want his book now? NO! I've just read the whole book about him and I, as sure, don't need another. And on top of that, it's the last in the series, so please, not let the whole rest of the series be about him. Please!
Ok, let's now get to Violet and Flint minus Lyon. I enjoyed their slow and passionate seduction but it really didn't need to be that slow. It's a romance book after all. They had many great scenes together, especially when they were trying to make a hell of each other's lives.
His funds were dwindling, his cook was unhappy, a pirate was elusive, his future was tentative, there was much that he wanted that remained out of reach, and there was a woman on board. All in all, not one of his favorite weeks.
Turkish prison notwithstanding.
“Flint…” It was a plea.
“I know,” he soothed hoarsely, and there was promise and torment and triumph in the tone, for she’d just revealed to him he could torture her for as long as he pleased because he alone was the means of her deliverance.
I think they could be a wonderful couple if only they got a chance to shine together. But their relationship was like a side story in their own book.
Overall, apart from the unsatisfactory love story, the book was actually quite good. And considering that I'm not very lucky with pirate books, I unexpectedly liked the pirate parts. We even got to see some proper pirate action. Good job!
And lastly, the reason why I rounded up was Lavay. I have never been able to resist sexy Frenchmen.
Did she detect a hint of irony in his words? Or did French-accented English simply consign one forever to sounding ironic?
And despite Flint being sexy and all, I actually wished that Lavay would be a hero. To my utmost delight, I found out that he has his own book
This story, please don't suck or there will be a mutiny.
November 19, 2023
Reread 10/25/23
Original Review 2/16/19
Original Review 2/16/19
April 19, 2015
Julie Anne Long has penned another winner and everything's right in the world again.
Firstly, I would like to address my own stupidity. Every book in this series works very well as a stand-alone. There is little connection between the books and none between the Redmond and the Eversea books. That's why I started from book #5, read all the way through #7 and then I went back to the beginning and started from book #1. The one constant figure in the series has been Lyon Redmond who disappeared after Olivia Eversea allegedly broke his heart. I was dying to know what happened to Lyon and I hadn't realised that this was the book where we do. So I had to read 6 books in the series to learn what happened to him. Boy, doesn't that make me feel stupid?
Secondly, I want to say that this book feels more similar to books #5-7 than to the first 3 books in the series. Since they are my favourite I can only say that this is the book where Julie Anne Long comes into her own as a writer and establishes her signature writing style.
Thirdly, when I met unique, confident, wild Violet Redmond in the second book, I admit I had no idea what man would be able to handle Violet and her temper and rein her in. Asher Flint has been roaming the seas for years. Captain of his own ship and only recently an earl, he is quite wild himself. He has tried to master the ways of the ton, to behave as a gentleman, but savage is what people call him.
Asher is extemely clever, strong, fearsome, over-confident and wild himself. I am in awe of what a perfect match Julie Anne Long created for Violet. Violet is not a simpering society girl that blushes at a mere compliment. She is a wild spirit and though her reputation precedes her, she has never outwardly acted like anything less than a lady. She walks a thin line between her true self and what society commands and it's getting harder to hide her boredom. She's not, however, one of those modern heroines that seem like they have been thrust in a historical book.
I truly believe that if there is one man in the world that is perfectly right for Violet, that's Asher. She cannot push him around and she can't control him with her wiles. But Violet is perfectly right for Asher too. Don't get me wrong, I love shy heroines as I myself am nothing like Violet, but I can't honestly picture Asher falling in love with a woman that's shy and blushing and too proper. It would be very boring for him.
Now, this is a hero I love! He is so virile, so strong, so capable. He's really sigh-worthy. This is the first book with a hero I love so much where I like the heroine even better. I have no words for Violet. She's amazing because she's everything I mentioned before and then some, but she has such capacity for love and she loves with a fierceness and a passion I have rarely encountered before. In fact, Violet is my favourite heroine in the series and I have loved most of them.
Every scene these two were together in was absolute perfection. It was a slow-burn romance and I had butterflies in my stomach all the time, the kind that only Julie Anne Long can cause to appear.
To say that I adore this author and that I'm in awe of her, truly, honestly in awe, seems too tame. But for lack of better words, it will have to do.
Firstly, I would like to address my own stupidity. Every book in this series works very well as a stand-alone. There is little connection between the books and none between the Redmond and the Eversea books. That's why I started from book #5, read all the way through #7 and then I went back to the beginning and started from book #1. The one constant figure in the series has been Lyon Redmond who disappeared after Olivia Eversea allegedly broke his heart. I was dying to know what happened to Lyon and I hadn't realised that this was the book where we do. So I had to read 6 books in the series to learn what happened to him. Boy, doesn't that make me feel stupid?
Secondly, I want to say that this book feels more similar to books #5-7 than to the first 3 books in the series. Since they are my favourite I can only say that this is the book where Julie Anne Long comes into her own as a writer and establishes her signature writing style.
Thirdly, when I met unique, confident, wild Violet Redmond in the second book, I admit I had no idea what man would be able to handle Violet and her temper and rein her in. Asher Flint has been roaming the seas for years. Captain of his own ship and only recently an earl, he is quite wild himself. He has tried to master the ways of the ton, to behave as a gentleman, but savage is what people call him.
Asher is extemely clever, strong, fearsome, over-confident and wild himself. I am in awe of what a perfect match Julie Anne Long created for Violet. Violet is not a simpering society girl that blushes at a mere compliment. She is a wild spirit and though her reputation precedes her, she has never outwardly acted like anything less than a lady. She walks a thin line between her true self and what society commands and it's getting harder to hide her boredom. She's not, however, one of those modern heroines that seem like they have been thrust in a historical book.
I truly believe that if there is one man in the world that is perfectly right for Violet, that's Asher. She cannot push him around and she can't control him with her wiles. But Violet is perfectly right for Asher too. Don't get me wrong, I love shy heroines as I myself am nothing like Violet, but I can't honestly picture Asher falling in love with a woman that's shy and blushing and too proper. It would be very boring for him.
Now, this is a hero I love! He is so virile, so strong, so capable. He's really sigh-worthy. This is the first book with a hero I love so much where I like the heroine even better. I have no words for Violet. She's amazing because she's everything I mentioned before and then some, but she has such capacity for love and she loves with a fierceness and a passion I have rarely encountered before. In fact, Violet is my favourite heroine in the series and I have loved most of them.
Every scene these two were together in was absolute perfection. It was a slow-burn romance and I had butterflies in my stomach all the time, the kind that only Julie Anne Long can cause to appear.
To say that I adore this author and that I'm in awe of her, truly, honestly in awe, seems too tame. But for lack of better words, it will have to do.
June 7, 2022
That’s it. I am absolutely addicted to Julie Anne Long’s writing. She is so brilliant and writes very swoony heroes. This book was a slow burn, but once the hero says “take off your clothes”.. it is game on!! I’m thoroughly invested in the Penny Royal series.
October 8, 2020
Listened to this one this time. Still a lovely book, great chemistry in the leads, but the narrator, who has never been a favorite, was really ill suited to this story. There’s too much subtlety and nuance in this one. Too much heart. The narrator worked better for the first in series because there was more action. The narration just has no emotion.
I love the battle of wills and competing loyalties in this one. Also the adventure and forced new perspective.
Previous review:
Love this one, not my favorite of the series but in the top tier.
I love the battle of wills and competing loyalties in this one. Also the adventure and forced new perspective.
Previous review:
Love this one, not my favorite of the series but in the top tier.
August 14, 2018
3.5 stars. I took quite a long break in the middle of reading this book, but have finally come back to finish it. I loved Captain Flint, aka Asher, Earl of Ardmay. I didn't love the h, Violet Redmond, quite as much. I'd met her before in another book and found her a bit abrasive. However it was clear in this book that she has some wonderful qualities, including loyalty, intelligence and bravery. And there was no doubt that she and Asher were meant for each other. They make a great couple.
Quite a bit of this book is set on a ship at sea, and although Flint himself isn't a pirate, there are some encounters with pirates. And this isn't my usual read. I'm not normally a fan of pirate HRs. But Long's writing is quite original and I enjoyed the shipboard sections quite a bit.
In thinking about why I dropped this book for so many weeks before finishing it, I've concluded there was a little too much tension in it for me. I'm not a huge fan of unresolved tension in my reads. I like to feel assured that good things are coming for the MCs. In this book there was a mystery that took quite a while to become clear (in fact some threads weren't clarified till almost the end). I don't mind that, I guess. But unfortunately it meant that our H and h couldn't fully get together, as the problems were keeping them apart. I found this a bit too frustrating. There were some heated moments, but it took too long for them to really get together IMO. I got a bit annoyed with it, actually. I suppose that's why I took a break. I wanted more signs of them being able to be together, and it just wasn't happening soon enough for me.
But finally the threads came together and the stars aligned and our H and h had their HEA. The final quarter or so of the book was more enjoyable. I just wish they'd had a bit more of a connection earlier on and there wasn't quite so much tension and melodrama. But in spite of all this, I like Ms Long's characters and writing style, and I will continue my (out-of-order) journey through Pennyroyal Green.
Quite a bit of this book is set on a ship at sea, and although Flint himself isn't a pirate, there are some encounters with pirates. And this isn't my usual read. I'm not normally a fan of pirate HRs. But Long's writing is quite original and I enjoyed the shipboard sections quite a bit.
In thinking about why I dropped this book for so many weeks before finishing it, I've concluded there was a little too much tension in it for me. I'm not a huge fan of unresolved tension in my reads. I like to feel assured that good things are coming for the MCs. In this book there was a mystery that took quite a while to become clear (in fact some threads weren't clarified till almost the end). I don't mind that, I guess. But unfortunately it meant that our H and h couldn't fully get together, as the problems were keeping them apart. I found this a bit too frustrating. There were some heated moments, but it took too long for them to really get together IMO. I got a bit annoyed with it, actually. I suppose that's why I took a break. I wanted more signs of them being able to be together, and it just wasn't happening soon enough for me.
But finally the threads came together and the stars aligned and our H and h had their HEA. The final quarter or so of the book was more enjoyable. I just wish they'd had a bit more of a connection earlier on and there wasn't quite so much tension and melodrama. But in spite of all this, I like Ms Long's characters and writing style, and I will continue my (out-of-order) journey through Pennyroyal Green.
December 23, 2021
“How in God’s name to describe Violet? It was like trying to describe his own heart, which naturally he’d never actually seen. It was an idea, his heart; he felt it beat inside him, sending life coursing through his veins. He needed it. It was everything.” Captain Asher Flint will go at any length to capture Le Chat, a notorious pirate, because of vengeance and a mission issued by the King. Violet Redmond has suspicions that the infamous Le Chat is her brother, Lyon Redmond who ran aways years ago, and because of this, she will stop at nothing to ensure that Captain Flint would not succeed in his mission. Violet’s determination to save Lyon is what led her to stowaway at the Captain’s ship. Sailing on high seas is not so easy especially when passion arises between the two people whose goals couldn’t be more different from each other.
I kissed an Earl is the fourth book from Pennyroyal Green series. This book is about Violet Redmond, who the readers met during the earlier books, and Asher Flint. Well, I just love Julie Anne Long’s writing. I can’t get enough of this series. And I am very interested in the Redmond family which is the reason why I wanted to read Violet’s book too. I will certainly read more books from this series.
Meet Violet Redmond: Violet is the only daughter to Isaiah and Fanchette Redmond. Naturally, she is spoiled, pampered, capricious and haughty. The ton loves her and every ridiculous thing she does for attention. She gets bored easily which is why despite many suitors, she has yet to settle down. She is also fiercely loyal to her family which is the reason why she is on the hunt for Lyon.
Meet Asher Flint: An American but English born bastard. He is a newly minted Earl. And although a gentleman in name, he was not a gentleman by birth. To quote him, he says that he felt like he belonged everywhere and nowhere all at once. He is the captain of The Fortuna. Due to his own need for vengeance and a mission given by the King, he is on the hunt for a notorious pirate. Capturing Le Chat is important to him as it will give him the fund needed to support the lands that come with his grand title.
Violet and Flint first meet at a ballroom, where he was informed by Lavay that they thought Flint a Savage. At the ball, Violet and Flint danced with each other, during which he froze when he saw her brother, Jonathan. Apparently, her brother looks like the notorious pirate, Le Chat. Eager to gain information, she asked questions to Lavay when it was their turn to dance with each other. Her newly gained information fueled her suspicions that Le Chat is her brother, Lyon. She knows that Captain Flint’s mission is to hunt Lyon and bring him to justice (Get him killed) and she just could not allow that, which is why she embarked on a trip with hopes to warn Lyon that someone is after him. Flint greatly dislikes Violet at first, what he sees is a privileged and bored miss. As weeks go by, Violet is torned between her love and loyalty to her brother Lyon, and her growing feelings for the Captain whose plan is to get her kin killed. Conflicts here and there…and finally, a well-deserved HEA.
I already know Violet because I have read about her in Miles's book. On the surface, she is a coddled and impulsive girl who does just anything because she loves shocking people. In this book, the readers get a more in-depth view of her. Violet is the type of heroine who is sure of her place in the world. She has no traumatic past. She is wealthy and privileged beyond imagination. She definitely suffers from ennui, a rich man’s disease. She has her flaws but I liked her devotion to the people she loved most. She doesn't love just anyone but when she does! Wow! It is definitely the love that you would be lucky to have.
I loved the hero. He was definitely Violet’s match. He genuinely disliked Violet at first and was not afraid to put her in her place. He did not coddle her like everyone in her life did. He was not easily impressed by her and thought she was just a spoiled girl who takes what she has for granted. He was not immediately smitten by her and it took some time before he was, and I liked that. I feel sad for him because he never had a family, and he never belonged anywhere and to anyone. He was now an earl, but he had to learn how to act like a gentleman. He is the exact opposite of Violet, whereas Violet was sure of her place in the world, he was not. But they are similar in many ways too: they are both determined and loyal to people that mattered to them.
Generally, I am not a fan of pirate romance and/or romance books set in Ships. It just feels so limited. I prefer the London and Countryside Setting, there’s just so much more fun and scandal. But it is just a personal preference. When I started this book, I honestly had no idea what I was expecting. I wanted to read this because the blurb sounded interesting and I did not know that the whole book would take place on a ship. It took the first 30% or so before I was truly interested. I honestly wanted to DNF but I continued because I really like Julie Anne Long’s style and I know that my patience will be rewarded with well written characters with heartfelt connection to each other. And I was right! I am so glad I decided to push through because the last 30% definitely got interesting.
What I loved about the main characters is that they genuinely did not like each other at first, though it was more the hero who disliked the heroine. But as they get to know each other, they can’t help but care for each other. I loved how Violet defended the hero from the french viscountess during the early stages of their forced proximity. Though I dislike how she called him a savage during the very first time she saw him. What intensified my love for the characters even more is when she saved his life. It was so sweet and touching. Because at first, we have this heroine who is entitled and thinks she can get whatever she wanted and has no real purpose in life, and then we see this side of her where she is willing to do anything for the people she loves, Flint included. In Taylor Swift’s words, “Don't blame me, love made me crazy if it doesn't, you ain't doin' it right, Lord, save me, my drug is my baby.”
And of course, the conflict is believable albeit frustrating. We see this woman who finally learned how to love someone (romantically) and she was willing to give it up because of her loyalty to Lyon. It was fitting for her character. Of course, it was not a perfect book. The plot is far-fetched but it suits Violet’s personality to do just that. It was a historical romance bordering fantasy because of the plot, but it was still well-written.
Lyon Redmond, The Golden Son, is mentioned very much in this book that one would think this is his prequel. And in some way maybe it is, his motivations are explained, although I do not know if that was okay? It may be offensive to some readers. The author surely loves Lyon, not a book goes by without a mention of his name. I am very excited to read his book, the conclusion to this series. I hope it does not disappoint!
I have not formed strong opinions about Lyon just yet as we are only given glimpses of his character, and I hope I come to love him. He was interesting but Violet's book surely focused a lot on him and the romance felt like the subplot. I enjoyed Violet’s book so much, I just wish there was more of the couple and less of Lyon! What is so interesting about him? Besides his disappearance.
Overall, This book definitely had a slow start. It took a while before it got interesting. And the setting was suffocating. But the writing and the main characters were worth it. I was deciding on a 3.5 but it does not feel like that, so I am giving it a 4 because although it was slow, It had well-developed characters and romance. I am looking forward to reading more JAL books in the future.
Some quotes:
“You can go to the very devil, for all I care. For you have taken for granted the protection of men your entire life, Miss Redmond. You have taken for granted your comfort and privilege and safety. Even now you think I’ll see to your comfort, that some man will always look out for you even when you behave in unconscionably reckless ways. And I…” He paused, fished in his pocket, thumbed open his watch. Consulted the time. His mind, even as he delivered this speech, was elsewhere. “…don’t like it.”
“This was maddening! Why, why, why did she want him to admire her? Perhaps because she’d never before needed to earn admiration. She’d never even craved it, as it had been in the very air she breathed since she was born.”
“how terrifying a thing it is to love. For it owes its sweetness in large part to the razor-edged fact that it could be lost in the blink of an eye, if, for instance, a loaded pistol isn’t in hand when one is needed. And this is what the love had done to her, revealed to her: she was someone who could kill. She was capable of enormous love, but she’d lost once before, and she’d kill before she let it happen again.”
“His whole life would now be a paste imitation of life without her. Violet was the only person with whom he’d ever truly belonged.” (This was so sweet, considering that he said he belonged to everywhere and nowhere, and now he finally found someone to belong to. He’ll finally have a family of his own)
“When you love someone more than life—and it is indeed possible to love someone more than life, or otherwise poets wouldn’t have gone on and on about it over the centuries—and you know, you know, you were born for only one person.” (I am excited to see this love you speak of, Lyon.)
I kissed an Earl is the fourth book from Pennyroyal Green series. This book is about Violet Redmond, who the readers met during the earlier books, and Asher Flint. Well, I just love Julie Anne Long’s writing. I can’t get enough of this series. And I am very interested in the Redmond family which is the reason why I wanted to read Violet’s book too. I will certainly read more books from this series.
Meet Violet Redmond: Violet is the only daughter to Isaiah and Fanchette Redmond. Naturally, she is spoiled, pampered, capricious and haughty. The ton loves her and every ridiculous thing she does for attention. She gets bored easily which is why despite many suitors, she has yet to settle down. She is also fiercely loyal to her family which is the reason why she is on the hunt for Lyon.
Meet Asher Flint: An American but English born bastard. He is a newly minted Earl. And although a gentleman in name, he was not a gentleman by birth. To quote him, he says that he felt like he belonged everywhere and nowhere all at once. He is the captain of The Fortuna. Due to his own need for vengeance and a mission given by the King, he is on the hunt for a notorious pirate. Capturing Le Chat is important to him as it will give him the fund needed to support the lands that come with his grand title.
Violet and Flint first meet at a ballroom, where he was informed by Lavay that they thought Flint a Savage. At the ball, Violet and Flint danced with each other, during which he froze when he saw her brother, Jonathan. Apparently, her brother looks like the notorious pirate, Le Chat. Eager to gain information, she asked questions to Lavay when it was their turn to dance with each other. Her newly gained information fueled her suspicions that Le Chat is her brother, Lyon. She knows that Captain Flint’s mission is to hunt Lyon and bring him to justice (Get him killed) and she just could not allow that, which is why she embarked on a trip with hopes to warn Lyon that someone is after him. Flint greatly dislikes Violet at first, what he sees is a privileged and bored miss. As weeks go by, Violet is torned between her love and loyalty to her brother Lyon, and her growing feelings for the Captain whose plan is to get her kin killed. Conflicts here and there…and finally, a well-deserved HEA.
I already know Violet because I have read about her in Miles's book. On the surface, she is a coddled and impulsive girl who does just anything because she loves shocking people. In this book, the readers get a more in-depth view of her. Violet is the type of heroine who is sure of her place in the world. She has no traumatic past. She is wealthy and privileged beyond imagination. She definitely suffers from ennui, a rich man’s disease. She has her flaws but I liked her devotion to the people she loved most. She doesn't love just anyone but when she does! Wow! It is definitely the love that you would be lucky to have.
I loved the hero. He was definitely Violet’s match. He genuinely disliked Violet at first and was not afraid to put her in her place. He did not coddle her like everyone in her life did. He was not easily impressed by her and thought she was just a spoiled girl who takes what she has for granted. He was not immediately smitten by her and it took some time before he was, and I liked that. I feel sad for him because he never had a family, and he never belonged anywhere and to anyone. He was now an earl, but he had to learn how to act like a gentleman. He is the exact opposite of Violet, whereas Violet was sure of her place in the world, he was not. But they are similar in many ways too: they are both determined and loyal to people that mattered to them.
Generally, I am not a fan of pirate romance and/or romance books set in Ships. It just feels so limited. I prefer the London and Countryside Setting, there’s just so much more fun and scandal. But it is just a personal preference. When I started this book, I honestly had no idea what I was expecting. I wanted to read this because the blurb sounded interesting and I did not know that the whole book would take place on a ship. It took the first 30% or so before I was truly interested. I honestly wanted to DNF but I continued because I really like Julie Anne Long’s style and I know that my patience will be rewarded with well written characters with heartfelt connection to each other. And I was right! I am so glad I decided to push through because the last 30% definitely got interesting.
What I loved about the main characters is that they genuinely did not like each other at first, though it was more the hero who disliked the heroine. But as they get to know each other, they can’t help but care for each other. I loved how Violet defended the hero from the french viscountess during the early stages of their forced proximity. Though I dislike how she called him a savage during the very first time she saw him. What intensified my love for the characters even more is when she saved his life. It was so sweet and touching. Because at first, we have this heroine who is entitled and thinks she can get whatever she wanted and has no real purpose in life, and then we see this side of her where she is willing to do anything for the people she loves, Flint included. In Taylor Swift’s words, “Don't blame me, love made me crazy if it doesn't, you ain't doin' it right, Lord, save me, my drug is my baby.”
And of course, the conflict is believable albeit frustrating. We see this woman who finally learned how to love someone (romantically) and she was willing to give it up because of her loyalty to Lyon. It was fitting for her character. Of course, it was not a perfect book. The plot is far-fetched but it suits Violet’s personality to do just that. It was a historical romance bordering fantasy because of the plot, but it was still well-written.
Lyon Redmond, The Golden Son, is mentioned very much in this book that one would think this is his prequel. And in some way maybe it is, his motivations are explained, although I do not know if that was okay? It may be offensive to some readers. The author surely loves Lyon, not a book goes by without a mention of his name. I am very excited to read his book, the conclusion to this series. I hope it does not disappoint!
I have not formed strong opinions about Lyon just yet as we are only given glimpses of his character, and I hope I come to love him. He was interesting but Violet's book surely focused a lot on him and the romance felt like the subplot. I enjoyed Violet’s book so much, I just wish there was more of the couple and less of Lyon! What is so interesting about him? Besides his disappearance.
Overall, This book definitely had a slow start. It took a while before it got interesting. And the setting was suffocating. But the writing and the main characters were worth it. I was deciding on a 3.5 but it does not feel like that, so I am giving it a 4 because although it was slow, It had well-developed characters and romance. I am looking forward to reading more JAL books in the future.
Some quotes:
“You can go to the very devil, for all I care. For you have taken for granted the protection of men your entire life, Miss Redmond. You have taken for granted your comfort and privilege and safety. Even now you think I’ll see to your comfort, that some man will always look out for you even when you behave in unconscionably reckless ways. And I…” He paused, fished in his pocket, thumbed open his watch. Consulted the time. His mind, even as he delivered this speech, was elsewhere. “…don’t like it.”
“This was maddening! Why, why, why did she want him to admire her? Perhaps because she’d never before needed to earn admiration. She’d never even craved it, as it had been in the very air she breathed since she was born.”
“how terrifying a thing it is to love. For it owes its sweetness in large part to the razor-edged fact that it could be lost in the blink of an eye, if, for instance, a loaded pistol isn’t in hand when one is needed. And this is what the love had done to her, revealed to her: she was someone who could kill. She was capable of enormous love, but she’d lost once before, and she’d kill before she let it happen again.”
“His whole life would now be a paste imitation of life without her. Violet was the only person with whom he’d ever truly belonged.” (This was so sweet, considering that he said he belonged to everywhere and nowhere, and now he finally found someone to belong to. He’ll finally have a family of his own)
“When you love someone more than life—and it is indeed possible to love someone more than life, or otherwise poets wouldn’t have gone on and on about it over the centuries—and you know, you know, you were born for only one person.” (I am excited to see this love you speak of, Lyon.)
February 3, 2021
I founded this to be the best read out of the first four books. Liked Flint, even though Violet was a spoiled young woman. She changed through the story.
February 11, 2019
(Tropes: Opposites Attract, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Love, Pirates (ish))
My last two books (the start of this series) has not been great, but now things are picking up! I thoroughly enjoyed myself while reading this book, and it reminded me of why I love JAL’s writing.
**
“Miss Redmond…” he said very mildly, very gently, in a voice that belied the momentum of his gathering outrage. “Why the devil are you on my ship?”
**
Quick plot: With the intent of “rescuing” her long lost brother, Violet Redmond, sneaks onto Captain Flint’s (Earl of Admay) ship as he embarks on a journey to capture the pirate called Le Chat, who bears a striking resemblance to Violet’s brother….
There is noting I love more than battling protagonists, who drive each other up the wall, sprinkled with undeniable attraction, humour, sassy dialogue, and sigh worthy romance. And this book delivers.
- “I doubt I have to try to appal you, Miss Redmond. I suspect I need simply…be.”
- “Haven’t you a valet?” she said to the earl, surprised.
He threw a baleful sideways glance at her as he strode across the room with the soap in hand. “‘Haven’t you a valet?’” he mimicked girlishly under his breath, shaking his head.
- Do tell me the farthest you’ve been away from home?”
She hesitated. “Italy,” she mumbled.
“Oh! Italy. That heathen land.”
- “I do unquestionably love my family. I suppose I am very particular. An argument can be made for my own singular character and the challenge in finding a suitable match for me.”
“What a very lengthy and elegant way to call yourself a piece of work, Miss Redmond.” He was insufferably amused.
- “And I am a trial.”
“Your words, Miss Redmond.”
“Whereas you are a stroll in Hyde Park.”
- He blinked in surprise. And then, to her astonishment, he grinned, and three unforgettable things happened at once: A dimple, a devastating crescent moon, appeared at the corner of his mouth; his eyes lit, and it was like watching lightning crack over the surface of a dark sea… …and Violet stopped breathing, as surely as that lightning had struck her square in the chest.
- She was smiling a little too often in his presence, and he in hers, and suddenly she felt as aloft, as softly glowing, as that moon. Dangerously, deliciously unmoored.
- The kiss raced like a lightning strike along his spine and seized his lungs with a simultaneous rush of panic and joy. As though he’d willingly flung himself backward from the mast to the deck and not only enjoyed the flight but survived the fall unscathed.
- “I could not have born it if he killed you. You. I could not have lived. I simply would have…stopped breathing. I would have killed him a dozen more times. Happily. For you.” And her voice cracked on the last word. He stopped breathing.
*****
- I am the captain of The Fortuna. I have a great responsibility to my men and now to the bloody King of England. My fortunes are dwindling. My reputation and my entire future rest upon my success in capturing this pirate for bounty. And yet…”
He dropped each syllable heavily, wearily, ironically. “…and yet I cannot sleep at night for wanting you.”
4 stars
My last two books (the start of this series) has not been great, but now things are picking up! I thoroughly enjoyed myself while reading this book, and it reminded me of why I love JAL’s writing.
**
“Miss Redmond…” he said very mildly, very gently, in a voice that belied the momentum of his gathering outrage. “Why the devil are you on my ship?”
**
Quick plot: With the intent of “rescuing” her long lost brother, Violet Redmond, sneaks onto Captain Flint’s (Earl of Admay) ship as he embarks on a journey to capture the pirate called Le Chat, who bears a striking resemblance to Violet’s brother….
There is noting I love more than battling protagonists, who drive each other up the wall, sprinkled with undeniable attraction, humour, sassy dialogue, and sigh worthy romance. And this book delivers.
- “I doubt I have to try to appal you, Miss Redmond. I suspect I need simply…be.”
- “Haven’t you a valet?” she said to the earl, surprised.
He threw a baleful sideways glance at her as he strode across the room with the soap in hand. “‘Haven’t you a valet?’” he mimicked girlishly under his breath, shaking his head.
- Do tell me the farthest you’ve been away from home?”
She hesitated. “Italy,” she mumbled.
“Oh! Italy. That heathen land.”
- “I do unquestionably love my family. I suppose I am very particular. An argument can be made for my own singular character and the challenge in finding a suitable match for me.”
“What a very lengthy and elegant way to call yourself a piece of work, Miss Redmond.” He was insufferably amused.
- “And I am a trial.”
“Your words, Miss Redmond.”
“Whereas you are a stroll in Hyde Park.”
- He blinked in surprise. And then, to her astonishment, he grinned, and three unforgettable things happened at once: A dimple, a devastating crescent moon, appeared at the corner of his mouth; his eyes lit, and it was like watching lightning crack over the surface of a dark sea… …and Violet stopped breathing, as surely as that lightning had struck her square in the chest.
- She was smiling a little too often in his presence, and he in hers, and suddenly she felt as aloft, as softly glowing, as that moon. Dangerously, deliciously unmoored.
- The kiss raced like a lightning strike along his spine and seized his lungs with a simultaneous rush of panic and joy. As though he’d willingly flung himself backward from the mast to the deck and not only enjoyed the flight but survived the fall unscathed.
- “I could not have born it if he killed you. You. I could not have lived. I simply would have…stopped breathing. I would have killed him a dozen more times. Happily. For you.” And her voice cracked on the last word. He stopped breathing.
*****
- I am the captain of The Fortuna. I have a great responsibility to my men and now to the bloody King of England. My fortunes are dwindling. My reputation and my entire future rest upon my success in capturing this pirate for bounty. And yet…”
He dropped each syllable heavily, wearily, ironically. “…and yet I cannot sleep at night for wanting you.”
4 stars
September 20, 2021
3.8 “swashbuckling sea captain” stars
(diva heroine, sea captain, enemies-to-lovers, class difference, forced proximity, pirates)
”How foolish I am, she thought, with sudden frightening clarity. He was so much more real than everything else around him. I only feel real when I’m near him. In that odd moment, everything that had come before him seemed like a dim dream. She suspected everything that came after him would seem that way, too. She was already ruined.”
It's hard to go wrong with a Julie Anne Long book and she proves it once again here. I Kissed an Earl showcases her signature beautiful writing and intricate characters, but the heroine leaves a lot to desire.
Violet Redmond is a beautiful, impetuous, and spoiled young lady. Bored out of her mind with unending balls and a flock of adoring suitors, she keeps raising hell seeking new thrills. The new Earl of Ardmay, Captain Asher Flint is an American-reared English bastard. He's worked on ships since he was a child and has been bestowed the newly created title for an act of heroism.
I love the constant tug-of-war of their relationship. For the first time ever, Violet meets a man she can't wrap around her little finger. Flint sees right through Violet and her spoiled behavior; he strips her bare with piercing truths. And Violet manages to break through Flint's self-imposed walls—walls he built out of necessity being born a bastard and having to fend for himself since a young age. Violet is not a sympathetic heroine. Many of her statements and actions will leave you exasperated and upset on Flint's behalf. But Flint's character and the slow, sizzling build up of their relationship make for a winning combination. Expect delicious UST and steamy love scenes.
(diva heroine, sea captain, enemies-to-lovers, class difference, forced proximity, pirates)
”How foolish I am, she thought, with sudden frightening clarity. He was so much more real than everything else around him. I only feel real when I’m near him. In that odd moment, everything that had come before him seemed like a dim dream. She suspected everything that came after him would seem that way, too. She was already ruined.”
It's hard to go wrong with a Julie Anne Long book and she proves it once again here. I Kissed an Earl showcases her signature beautiful writing and intricate characters, but the heroine leaves a lot to desire.
Violet Redmond is a beautiful, impetuous, and spoiled young lady. Bored out of her mind with unending balls and a flock of adoring suitors, she keeps raising hell seeking new thrills. The new Earl of Ardmay, Captain Asher Flint is an American-reared English bastard. He's worked on ships since he was a child and has been bestowed the newly created title for an act of heroism.
I love the constant tug-of-war of their relationship. For the first time ever, Violet meets a man she can't wrap around her little finger. Flint sees right through Violet and her spoiled behavior; he strips her bare with piercing truths. And Violet manages to break through Flint's self-imposed walls—walls he built out of necessity being born a bastard and having to fend for himself since a young age. Violet is not a sympathetic heroine. Many of her statements and actions will leave you exasperated and upset on Flint's behalf. But Flint's character and the slow, sizzling build up of their relationship make for a winning combination. Expect delicious UST and steamy love scenes.
April 3, 2021
I probably should give this book a 4 star but it was soooo much better than the first 3 books that I can't help myself.
Voilet was everything that I expected! It was awesome following her adventures, seeing an extremely clean person in a ship full of stinky men hahaha and I also loved the hero. There were quite a few funny moments and I am just very happy that this series is getting better... the plus side of this book was the slow burn romance.
Voilet was everything that I expected! It was awesome following her adventures, seeing an extremely clean person in a ship full of stinky men hahaha and I also loved the hero. There were quite a few funny moments and I am just very happy that this series is getting better... the plus side of this book was the slow burn romance.
unfinished
June 25, 2019I was in the midst of this when the library loan ran out. And I didn't bother extending or re-borrowing. I just didn't care about the whole plot thing and that gimped my ability to engage with the couple. I got far enough to learn that Violet's brother has a vendetta against one of the big moral issues of the day (was it slavery or the opium trade? I think it was China-centric so probably opium) and was moving before it was an issue the crown was willing to take on. Which is admirable and all, but he was being all super-secret and super-duper effective in ways that would only work in novel-land. Which might have worked with him as an actual protagonist, but as the point of conflict between Violet and the hero? Not so much.
I'm not going rate this because that was nearly a year ago and I'm only just now remembering I neglected to review this. So I only have really vague memories to go by. But that's enough to know I'm not interested in picking it back up...
I'm not going rate this because that was nearly a year ago and I'm only just now remembering I neglected to review this. So I only have really vague memories to go by. But that's enough to know I'm not interested in picking it back up...
March 27, 2021
This book was a wild ride! So much intense action and intrigue, I loved how Asher and Violet fell in love in spite of themselves, the bittersweet irony of their conflicting goals, and the drama that unfolded as they pursued their hearts’ desires. Watching those desires morph through the story, as truth came to light and love transformed their path, was so satisfying.
April 5, 2022
2.75
I am amazed at how authors plan and set up their series. This series and Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series currently stand out for me. Like, how can they plan that far ahead?! Just simply outstanding. 👏👏👏
For instance, the fortune the gypsy/Romany (is that how you spell it?) fortune-teller told Violet back in book 2 (Like No Other Lover) is brought up again in this book. I didn't think it was going to have a bigger part in this series until I read this book. Now I wonder if Jonathan will end up with 10 kids like the fortune teller said he would. 🤣 If you've read his book, don't spoil it for me!
Having just watched season 2 of Bridgerton, I couldn't help but get Kate & Anthony/enemies-to-lovers vibe from the hero (Asher Flint) and heroine (Violet Redmond) although their enmity wasn't that aggressive.
The romance is very slow-burn (which I typically have no patience for) and it was almost overshadowed by the mystery of finding the pirate Le Chat (aka Lyon Redmond). However, I enjoy the mystery surrounding Lyon, so I was able to enjoy the book for that reason mostly.
I haven't read any books by JAL outside of this series, so I'm not sure how I feel about her sex scenes. I remember feeling, "I want more!" when I was reading books 1 and 3 (Colin and Chase Eversea's books, respectively). For some reason, I can't recall the sex scenes from Miles Redmond's book (book 2). 😅 I think the intimate scenes in this book were better than in the previous books.
I am amazed at how authors plan and set up their series. This series and Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series currently stand out for me. Like, how can they plan that far ahead?! Just simply outstanding. 👏👏👏
For instance, the fortune the gypsy/Romany (is that how you spell it?) fortune-teller told Violet back in book 2 (Like No Other Lover) is brought up again in this book. I didn't think it was going to have a bigger part in this series until I read this book. Now I wonder if Jonathan will end up with 10 kids like the fortune teller said he would. 🤣 If you've read his book, don't spoil it for me!
Having just watched season 2 of Bridgerton, I couldn't help but get Kate & Anthony/enemies-to-lovers vibe from the hero (Asher Flint) and heroine (Violet Redmond) although their enmity wasn't that aggressive.
The romance is very slow-burn (which I typically have no patience for) and it was almost overshadowed by the mystery of finding the pirate Le Chat (aka Lyon Redmond). However, I enjoy the mystery surrounding Lyon, so I was able to enjoy the book for that reason mostly.
I haven't read any books by JAL outside of this series, so I'm not sure how I feel about her sex scenes. I remember feeling, "I want more!" when I was reading books 1 and 3 (Colin and Chase Eversea's books, respectively). For some reason, I can't recall the sex scenes from Miles Redmond's book (book 2). 😅 I think the intimate scenes in this book were better than in the previous books.
September 17, 2010
I didn't like the main character, but that's just the beginning of my complaints. The year the action took place is not given and the internal evidence is unclear and contradictory. I think it is the early 1820's.
THE BIG COMPLAINT. On page 40 her brother thinks "When and if Violet ever fell in love...tectonic plates would shift..." The theory of tectonic plates was first put forward in 1912, almost 100 years after the action of the book. More, it was met with great ridicule, and not accepted until the 1960's. And yet more, the early nineteenth century, particularly in England, was the scene of great disagreement over geologic theory. Was geologic change the result of catastrophes, like the biblical flood, or the gradual change, like wind erosion of mountains. The furor finally faded when Darwin proposed evolution. Whoops, Lyell didn't publish his treatise on geologic uniformitarianism until 1830. Next time I'll confirm my facts first instead of getting up out of bed!
This is more detail, maybe, than I should expect the writer to know, but it is typical of her, just as the lack of dating is. I might have been able to forgive her if I had liked the book better, but it stopped me with a jolt when I read it.
THE BIG COMPLAINT. On page 40 her brother thinks "When and if Violet ever fell in love...tectonic plates would shift..." The theory of tectonic plates was first put forward in 1912, almost 100 years after the action of the book. More, it was met with great ridicule, and not accepted until the 1960's. And yet more, the early nineteenth century, particularly in England, was the scene of great disagreement over geologic theory. Was geologic change the result of catastrophes, like the biblical flood, or the gradual change, like wind erosion of mountains. The furor finally faded when Darwin proposed evolution. Whoops, Lyell didn't publish his treatise on geologic uniformitarianism until 1830. Next time I'll confirm my facts first instead of getting up out of bed!
This is more detail, maybe, than I should expect the writer to know, but it is typical of her, just as the lack of dating is. I might have been able to forgive her if I had liked the book better, but it stopped me with a jolt when I read it.
April 11, 2025
It was a slow start, but I ended up loving this one. I found my attention wandering during the first 40%, where we meet bored socialite Violet Redmond and American savage Captain Flint, a newly minted Earl who will reap a massive reward from the king if he captures the pirate Le Chat.
Violet suspects Le Chat is actually her brother Lyon and stows away on Flint’s ship. Which actually seems in total keeping with this woman’s normal behavior. She is so very bored and therefore must make her own fun.
I do love a ship-based historical romance, but as I mentioned, the beginning felt slow. One conversation in Flint’s cabin in particular felt interminable. It was what can drive me a little nuts about JAL: the halting, clever conversations where we get a microscopic view of the characters’ minds and reactions. Breath is hitched; people go utterly still. It feels a little claustrophobic to me sometimes.
But I put the book down for a few days to finish another, and either I was in a better mood or the book picked up, or both. Because I became a huge Violet fan, and their relationship was complex and sticky, and there was a coded message, and there was a pirate fight! I love a pirate fight.
So on balance, a 4.25.
Violet suspects Le Chat is actually her brother Lyon and stows away on Flint’s ship. Which actually seems in total keeping with this woman’s normal behavior. She is so very bored and therefore must make her own fun.
I do love a ship-based historical romance, but as I mentioned, the beginning felt slow. One conversation in Flint’s cabin in particular felt interminable. It was what can drive me a little nuts about JAL: the halting, clever conversations where we get a microscopic view of the characters’ minds and reactions. Breath is hitched; people go utterly still. It feels a little claustrophobic to me sometimes.
But I put the book down for a few days to finish another, and either I was in a better mood or the book picked up, or both. Because I became a huge Violet fan, and their relationship was complex and sticky, and there was a coded message, and there was a pirate fight! I love a pirate fight.
So on balance, a 4.25.
July 13, 2022
Oh oh oh...This series has been a bit of a hit or miss so far.Well this one was a hit!
Solid 4 to start with.
What I liked:
1)I like how this series is built up from the previous books.Felt like I already knew Olivia so well.
2)I liked the plot twist of the gypsy's prophecy .I didn't see this one coming.
3)I liked how "cruel" Flint was with Olivia in the beginning
4)I liked how this is the 2nd one from this series that the main Heroes are not/ending up filthy rich.So romantic to see that as well for a change.
5)Mystery was there and of course the way Lyon's story is building up.
6)Overseas!
What I didn't like:
Nothing actually! <3
Solid 4 to start with.
What I liked:
1)I like how this series is built up from the previous books.Felt like I already knew Olivia so well.
2)I liked the plot twist of the gypsy's prophecy .I didn't see this one coming.
3)I liked how "cruel" Flint was with Olivia in the beginning
4)I liked how this is the 2nd one from this series that the main Heroes are not/ending up filthy rich.So romantic to see that as well for a change.
5)Mystery was there and of course the way Lyon's story is building up.
6)Overseas!
What I didn't like:
Nothing actually! <3
October 21, 2011
This was a somewhat disappointing entry into Long's mostly entertaining "Pennyroyal Green" series. The book has many problems and I found myself shaking my head several times.
First of all, I read the dead tree version and I swear I didn't go three pages without some kind of typo or mistake. Dropped words, repeated words, words out of order, the wrong word ("thought" instead of "though", for example). I was constantly editing in my head. At some points I had to read a sentence a few times to decipher what seemed to be code. Ridiculous from a publisher big enough to think they have the right to fix prices through the agency model.
But I can't blame the publisher for all the problems. The story has a decent premise -- a young woman joins the manhunt for a notorious pirate against the wishes of the captain of the ship assigned to bring the pirate to justice -- but there's so much introspection and so little of the POV of the hero it read like an early draft of a story. We'd go these long stretches where all we would read is Violet's thoughts about how hunky and lovable Flint is and how worried she is about her brother, Lyon. Again. I swear we saw that same inner monologue about fifteen times.
There were good moments. Julie Anne Long has a way with her characters when they finally get together. There were times when I was sucked in -- especially toward the end -- and I couldn't wait to get back to it when I'd put it down. But the romance is resolved in the last pages and then it's over. Frustrating after wading through chapters and chapters of Violet's belated coming-of-age and not enough detail about Flint's emotional awakening.
So, sadly, I have to give this one 2.75 stars. It's just not up to the rest of the series, IMO.
First of all, I read the dead tree version and I swear I didn't go three pages without some kind of typo or mistake. Dropped words, repeated words, words out of order, the wrong word ("thought" instead of "though", for example). I was constantly editing in my head. At some points I had to read a sentence a few times to decipher what seemed to be code. Ridiculous from a publisher big enough to think they have the right to fix prices through the agency model.
But I can't blame the publisher for all the problems. The story has a decent premise -- a young woman joins the manhunt for a notorious pirate against the wishes of the captain of the ship assigned to bring the pirate to justice -- but there's so much introspection and so little of the POV of the hero it read like an early draft of a story. We'd go these long stretches where all we would read is Violet's thoughts about how hunky and lovable Flint is and how worried she is about her brother, Lyon. Again. I swear we saw that same inner monologue about fifteen times.
There were good moments. Julie Anne Long has a way with her characters when they finally get together. There were times when I was sucked in -- especially toward the end -- and I couldn't wait to get back to it when I'd put it down. But the romance is resolved in the last pages and then it's over. Frustrating after wading through chapters and chapters of Violet's belated coming-of-age and not enough detail about Flint's emotional awakening.
So, sadly, I have to give this one 2.75 stars. It's just not up to the rest of the series, IMO.
April 5, 2010
This latest installment in Julie Anne Long's Pennyroyal Green series, I KISSED AN EARL is Violet Redmond's book. If you're familiar with the series, you'll remember Violet as a key player in LIKE NO OTHER LOVER. When she is introduced at a ball to the newly elevated sea captain, the Earl of Ardmay, and his first mate Lord Lavay, Violet is intrigued. After all, hadn't the gypsy girl said the name Lavay to her? And hadn't she foretold that Violet would go on a long journey over water? But what intrigues her more is the fact that Ardmay has been charged by the king to stop a pirate calling himself Le Chat from stealing the cargo of English sailing vessels. When she hears that Le Chat's ship is called THE OLIVIA, which just so happens to be the name of the woman who broke her brother Lyon's heart, Violet is convinced that there is a real possibility that Le Chat is her missing brother. So, she sneaks herself onto Ardmay's ship and well, you can guess how well that goes over with the Earl.
What follows is the best sort of cabin/seafaring romance written with the witty, crisp, lyrical prose that Long has become known for. I loved the way that Olivia and Ardmay fell for one another despite themselves, and the conflicts that genuinely stand in the way of their ever being able to be together. The HEA comes with compromises on both sides, but the result is sigh-inducing satisfaction. Wonderful read.
What follows is the best sort of cabin/seafaring romance written with the witty, crisp, lyrical prose that Long has become known for. I loved the way that Olivia and Ardmay fell for one another despite themselves, and the conflicts that genuinely stand in the way of their ever being able to be together. The HEA comes with compromises on both sides, but the result is sigh-inducing satisfaction. Wonderful read.
October 13, 2024
Utterly satisfying in the way that an Entenmanns Louisiana Crunch Cake is utterly satisfying. There are better cakes easily attainable that are made with much higher quality ingredients by exacting bakers rather than factory employees and I like to savor those with some frequency. But most of the time I don't need those beautifully crafted morsels. A delicious bite is a delicious bite.
October 13, 2021
3.5 stars. This series is generally really good, but not quite my cuppa. Funnily enough, it’s not because the author isn’t talented - she really is a superb writer - but because she spends A LOT of time detailing the hero’s past sex life. I’m just not a fan of reading about how much sex the H has had in the past, or how he is thinking about an OW constantly. This book’s hero has a mistress in Morocco who he plans to take as his wife, but meanwhile, he’s spending nights at a brothel while in London. This is just such a turn off to me! Later on, even when he starts to feel attracted to the heroine, he still thinks about how much he’s looking forward to being with his mistress. He even mentions to the heroine about how good his mistress is in the sack. Most of this was in the first half of the book, and the second half did improve significantly. Still, I just really hate having the hero’s past rubbed in my face so egregiously. The heroine is ofc a virgin… and I can’t help but feel that she deserves better than to get the pox.
The ending of this book was VERY sweet, and bumped my rating by a full star. I wish there was an epilogue, I really hate that the book ends immediately after the resolution. This author is very talented but I wish she would keep some details a mystery.
SWE; virgin heroine, manwhore hero, some OW drama because he mentions his mistress frequently, plus they interact with a woman he had been with in the past and she’s very catty to the heroine. He visits brothels, and there are a lot of mentions about his past.
The ending of this book was VERY sweet, and bumped my rating by a full star. I wish there was an epilogue, I really hate that the book ends immediately after the resolution. This author is very talented but I wish she would keep some details a mystery.
SWE; virgin heroine, manwhore hero, some OW drama because he mentions his mistress frequently, plus they interact with a woman he had been with in the past and she’s very catty to the heroine. He visits brothels, and there are a lot of mentions about his past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2012
I love JAL, but when it comes to the high seas, Marsha Canham is the woman for me. It was cute, but not a fave.
Reread 9/16/12: Downgraded a star. Ugh - there were SO many repetitive words and phrases: "bands of muscle" when referring to the stomach, "hosannas", etc. Gack. I was really pulled out of the story this time around. Also, at this point, I hate the Everseas and Redmonds - thanks to all the endlessly twinkly referencing and series baiting. OLIVIA can go jump in that infamous well for all I care, and take the rest of them with her.
Reread 9/16/12: Downgraded a star. Ugh - there were SO many repetitive words and phrases: "bands of muscle" when referring to the stomach, "hosannas", etc. Gack. I was really pulled out of the story this time around. Also, at this point, I hate the Everseas and Redmonds - thanks to all the endlessly twinkly referencing and series baiting. OLIVIA can go jump in that infamous well for all I care, and take the rest of them with her.
December 11, 2021
DELIGHTFULLY SPLENDID AND VISCERAL! MY 2ND TIME READING THIS, AND I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT ALL OVER AGAIN. I've taken up to Julie Anne Long's strangers to lovers writing because it's insta-love is a cheat sheet and nothing's better but to be swept off your feet by characters who truly are able to understand and communicate with each other whilst entwined in passionate sexual tension that leaves you completely breathless.
FLINT is completely unknown to me in the beginning. It seems to be a pattern when it comes to J.A.L's characters and I DO SO LOVE THE UNKNOWN! It makes the story that much more interesting to read because you never know what you'll get. But what I do know is that I do so love a commanding and austere man who eventually falls in love. A newly minted 'savage' Earl, Flint's also Captain of his ship hounded by the King to capture the infamous pirate Le Chat. The King has offered aplenty to Flint but this time he's accepting the assignment because it's personal. Le Chat's pirating ways has caused the demise of the man Flint cares about. So on the day he's about to set sail, he discovers a stowaway in the form of a beautiful but strong headed debutante, Violet Redmond whom he has had the pleasure to meet at the ball prior, and at the time, he didn't have much of an opinion about her. It was wonderful to see him struggle and become intrigued by Violet's intelligence and sensuality. Against his will, Flint's attracted to her, not only for her beauty but her profound love and loyalty for her family, and how precious she was.
VIOLET only gave me the impression of a bored, rich man's daughter with a penchant for mischief yet she's not stupid either. When she deciphers that the infamous Le Chat might just be her missing brother, Lyon, she's determined to hunt him down by using Captain Flint's ship. Of course, the Captain's not happy she's there and they make a bargain with chess. It was one of the many they had, and also, the beginning of their unlikely courtship. Violet's character was a mix of boldness, minx and naivette that was alluring coupled with her ingenious mind. She's no shrinking 'Violet' and she's a lioness when she loves - protective too. Definitely an endearing heroine with a backbone who made a great match for Flint.
OVERALL this was another excellent gem by J.A.L. I can't wait to move on to the next book, and also re-read a few others to the series which I have not reviewed prior to reading it the first time. Then again, I know it's NO CHORE to indulge in J.A.L's historical romance world.
FLINT is completely unknown to me in the beginning. It seems to be a pattern when it comes to J.A.L's characters and I DO SO LOVE THE UNKNOWN! It makes the story that much more interesting to read because you never know what you'll get. But what I do know is that I do so love a commanding and austere man who eventually falls in love. A newly minted 'savage' Earl, Flint's also Captain of his ship hounded by the King to capture the infamous pirate Le Chat. The King has offered aplenty to Flint but this time he's accepting the assignment because it's personal. Le Chat's pirating ways has caused the demise of the man Flint cares about. So on the day he's about to set sail, he discovers a stowaway in the form of a beautiful but strong headed debutante, Violet Redmond whom he has had the pleasure to meet at the ball prior, and at the time, he didn't have much of an opinion about her. It was wonderful to see him struggle and become intrigued by Violet's intelligence and sensuality. Against his will, Flint's attracted to her, not only for her beauty but her profound love and loyalty for her family, and how precious she was.
VIOLET only gave me the impression of a bored, rich man's daughter with a penchant for mischief yet she's not stupid either. When she deciphers that the infamous Le Chat might just be her missing brother, Lyon, she's determined to hunt him down by using Captain Flint's ship. Of course, the Captain's not happy she's there and they make a bargain with chess. It was one of the many they had, and also, the beginning of their unlikely courtship. Violet's character was a mix of boldness, minx and naivette that was alluring coupled with her ingenious mind. She's no shrinking 'Violet' and she's a lioness when she loves - protective too. Definitely an endearing heroine with a backbone who made a great match for Flint.
OVERALL this was another excellent gem by J.A.L. I can't wait to move on to the next book, and also re-read a few others to the series which I have not reviewed prior to reading it the first time. Then again, I know it's NO CHORE to indulge in J.A.L's historical romance world.
December 30, 2012
If you've read the series thus far you just know the book about Violet has to be crazy, right? Seriously. This is a woman who doesn't think first.
You see, two books ago, Vi had her palm read, and a nutty Gypsy named Martha (who, yes, showed up a few books prior) yelled "LaVay" in the middle of the reading." So when she meets the newly created Earl of Ardmay (a/k/a Flint) and his buddy Lord LaVay, she knows it's Kismet. Not Kismet as in LaVay makes her lady parts all tingly, but Kismet as in the man's arrival is portentious.
The Earl of Ardmay, who has too much hair, too much attitude and keeps forgetting Vi's name, is on a pirate hunt after Le Chat, alias Mr. Hardesty. Who looks like Jonathan Redmond. Who looks like… Well, yeah, Jon looks just like Vi's eldest brother Lyon, who has been MIA for about the same amount of time this Le Chat has been pirating. And Le Chat's ship, the Olivia, well is it really just a coincidence that the woman who broke Lyon's heart just before he split, was Olivia Eversea?
Unfortunately,Flint has personal reasons to end Le Chat's career, and no reason to care much whether he gets the pirate dead or alive.
Vi does try to go about this the sensible way first. She lays out her concerns to her brother Jonathan. Unfortunately, the menfolk in the Redmond family are a little…
So she has no choice. And this time, really, she has it all figured out…
It's a good story with some very clever humor, some swashbuckling, and a situation that guarantees that one of the main characters is going to have to betray the other. Four stars.
You see, two books ago, Vi had her palm read, and a nutty Gypsy named Martha (who, yes, showed up a few books prior) yelled "LaVay" in the middle of the reading." So when she meets the newly created Earl of Ardmay (a/k/a Flint) and his buddy Lord LaVay, she knows it's Kismet. Not Kismet as in LaVay makes her lady parts all tingly, but Kismet as in the man's arrival is portentious.
The Earl of Ardmay, who has too much hair, too much attitude and keeps forgetting Vi's name, is on a pirate hunt after Le Chat, alias Mr. Hardesty. Who looks like Jonathan Redmond. Who looks like… Well, yeah, Jon looks just like Vi's eldest brother Lyon, who has been MIA for about the same amount of time this Le Chat has been pirating. And Le Chat's ship, the Olivia, well is it really just a coincidence that the woman who broke Lyon's heart just before he split, was Olivia Eversea?
Unfortunately,Flint has personal reasons to end Le Chat's career, and no reason to care much whether he gets the pirate dead or alive.
Vi does try to go about this the sensible way first. She lays out her concerns to her brother Jonathan. Unfortunately, the menfolk in the Redmond family are a little…
So she has no choice. And this time, really, she has it all figured out…
It's a good story with some very clever humor, some swashbuckling, and a situation that guarantees that one of the main characters is going to have to betray the other. Four stars.
March 31, 2015
Book 4 in the Pennyroyal Green series, this time it's back to the Redmonds, the infamous Violet in fact who meets her match in the newly appointed Earl of Ardmay, Captain Asher Flint. However, despite the attraction any relationship is bound to be doomed as she desperately searches for her brother, the missing Lyon Redmond who may be the nefarious pirate Le Chat, the very man Flint is determined to bring to justice.
Despite the frivolous title, there is so much depth to this book. I loved the slow realization of love between two people who society deemed impossible for each other, the questions of love over family loyalty and just the way Julie Anne Long puts words together to develop her characters, whether it be witty banter or just the nuances of a look or a glance. Her style reminds me of a traditional regency novel in this way with the added bonus of steamy romance.
And we get some information on the whereabouts of one Lyon Redmond, an underlying theme running throughout the series.
This is a series which gets better with every book.
RE-READ: MARCH 2015
Despite the frivolous title, there is so much depth to this book. I loved the slow realization of love between two people who society deemed impossible for each other, the questions of love over family loyalty and just the way Julie Anne Long puts words together to develop her characters, whether it be witty banter or just the nuances of a look or a glance. Her style reminds me of a traditional regency novel in this way with the added bonus of steamy romance.
And we get some information on the whereabouts of one Lyon Redmond, an underlying theme running throughout the series.
This is a series which gets better with every book.
RE-READ: MARCH 2015
May 3, 2022
This is an interesting, engrossing, highly charged slow burn of a romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it, although it wasn’t flawless so I would actually have given it 4.75 stars if fractions were possible. Too many references to people as pets and too many concessions to Violet’s spoiled, pampered character tempered my enthusiasm a bit. I also thought Captain Flint’s about-face regarding Le Chat was too abrupt, too neat and tidy. Still, a very worthy read except for…
…the Kindle edition is a mess. Did no one proof read this at all? Incorrect or misplaced punctuation, wrong pronouns, words repeated, missing, or out of order: it was BAD. DISTRACTING. INFURIATING, considering I paid for this mess.
…the Kindle edition is a mess. Did no one proof read this at all? Incorrect or misplaced punctuation, wrong pronouns, words repeated, missing, or out of order: it was BAD. DISTRACTING. INFURIATING, considering I paid for this mess.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 564 reviews