I am new to romance novels, and I found this to be great series. Julie Ann Long does a wonderful job of developing the characters in each book so that you fall in love with them as they fall in love with each other. This series tells the story of two families, the Redmonds and the Everseas, who have hated each other for centuries. The Redmonds, Isaiah and Franchette, have three sons, Lyon, Miles, and Jonathan, a daughter Violet, and a niece, Lisbeth. Jacob and Isolde Eversea have four sons, Marcus, Chase, Ian, and Colin, two daughters, Olivia and Genevieve, and a nephew, Adam Sylvaine. So far (as of August, 2013) there are 8 books in the series, and still more to come. You could try to read just one or two books from the series, and Long recaps the characters that are important for each story so that you could read just one, but it's worth it to read them all. I won't go into great detail on the characters or plot of this book or the others, you can read the other reviews for that. I just wanted to write a review on the series itself for those looking to begin it.
1. The Perils of Pleasure: The story of Colin Eversea, sexy, witty, and charming, and about to hang for a crime he didn't commit, and Madeline Greenway, his rescuer, who is smart and strong, and wanting to earn enough money to sail to America and start a new life for herself. The story takes them on a journey to discover the truth about the crime in order to clear his name, who is trying to hide the truth about the crime, and who is paying to have him rescued. I loved Colin and Madeline.
2. Like No Other Lover: The story of Miles Redmond, an entomologist who has traveled the world, and returns to England hoping to secure enough money to fund another journey. He is the second Redmond son who is now the family heir, due to the disappearance of the eldest and beloved son Lyon. Cynthia Brightley is a woman who snubbed him years ago when she had her choice of men to marry, and after a scandal that essentially kicks her out of favor with high society, finds herself invited to the Redmond's home for a house party. This is a great one in the series, and will have you laughing out loud!
3. Since the Surrender: The story of Chase Eversea, a wounded war hero who is sent by his family to bring his cousin Adam back to Pennyroyal Green to become the town's vicar. This is my least favorite of the series. I wanted to like this story, but I was disappointed. It was meant to be mysterious and suspenseful, but just fell short to me. The characters are well written and I liked them well enough, but the plot just seemed to be a let down in the end.
4. I Kissed an Earl: The story of Violet Redmond, and her overseas journey to find her brother Lyon and save him from the Earl of Ardmay, who wants to bring him to justice for suspected piracy. This book is very slow to get going (especially after reading the previous book in the series), and I found myself putting it down halfway through, but I'm glad I picked it up again because everything picks up and gets so exciting, it ended up being one of my favorites.
5. What I Did for a Duke: The story of Genevieve Eversea and Alexander Moncrieffe. Genevieve is in love with her best friend Harry who is about to become engaged to someone else. Alexander was engaged to be married until he discovered Genevieve's brother Ian in bed with his fiancé. Now he wants to make life hell for Ian, and hopes to use Genevieve to do so. Each story in this series (with the exception of Chase's) just gets better and better. I loved to watch the friendship and romance develop between these two.
6. How the Marquess was Won: Lisbeth Redmond thinks her beauty and last name will win her the love of Lord Julian Spencer. Spencer needs to marry Lisbeth in order to reclaim a portion of Redmond land that once belonged to his family. Neither of them counted on a schoolteacher by the name of Phoebe Vale to disrupt their plans. This one was so good, so charming and funny, and I fell in love with Julian and Phoebe.
7. A Notorious Countess Confesses: The story of Reverend Adam Sylvaine and Evie Duggan. I must say, I didn't think I would enjoy this one since he's the vicar, and well... how romantic could it be??? And was I ever wrong. I couldn't put this one down!
8. It Happened One Midnight: The story of Jonathan Redmond and Thomasina. Jonathan's character has really grown since the beginning of the series, and I absolutely fell in love with him in the book. This was my absolute favorite it the series. It's a must read!
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Top reviews from other countries
C. Graham
Nice story, very enjoyable
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2023SusieQ
Another nice read from Julie Anne Long
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2014