Lawson’s review of Like No Other Lover (Pennyroyal Green, Book 2) by Julie Anne Long
Historical romance released by Avon 28 Oct 08
Like No Other Lover is the return to the world of the dueling families of the Everseas and the Redmonds, both residents of the fictional village of Pennyroyal Green. Unlike the first book in the series, The Perils of Pleasure, there is no intrigue other than the scheming of various characters in the book. A story that follows the developments of the characters and their growth is always something that grabs me in a book.
Miles Redmond is shocked when he sees Cynthia Brightly after two years. Especially in his hometown and in the company of his sister. The icy beauty had been the most sought after beauty of the season, but Miles overheard her dismissing him for wealthier prospects and he dismissed her because of his pride. When he sees her again, he knows it must be due to some sort of scandal and she has been shunned in London. Which gives Miles the upper hand in making her see him as more than a dull second son.
Cynthia is on her last hope for a husband. Though she had been engaged, she behaved badly and thus lost her standing in society. The invitation to the Redmond house party is her only way to escape the fate of going to Northumberland to be a companion to a cranky old woman. Things look bleak when Miles not only rebuffs her charm, but sees through the mask to her mercenary desire for a husband. They instead begin to work together to get Cynthia a husband and for Miles to accept his dutiful fate.
Miles, though a second son, seems to be the anchor of the family. He’d gone off to the South Seas for some scientific research, especially into bugs and things, and made a small fortune on his own. His family is dealing with the disappearance of Lyon Redmond, and Miles never felt adequate enough. He decides to step up and be the heir his father wants, even marrying a girl he likes well enough, but his father wants more for the money her father can bring to his investment club.
Miles is a likeable hero, if more of a subdued one. Not overtly strong, but a quiet strength in a hero makes him a good guy. Cynthia is exactly as she seems in the beginning. She’s desperate, mercenary and knows her best quality is her beauty and her charm. What makes her sympathetic is the slow revelation of her background and the exact reasons why she’s become desperate and mercenary. Her choices, in the end, make her a better person and show that she’s learned to depend on herself rather than on a husband.
As much as I liked the hero and heroine, the secondary characters added more to the story. Miles’ siblings Jonathon and Violet are funny, Cynthia’s potential suitors Lord Milthorpe, Lord Argosy and Mr. Goodkind show even though Cynthia is mercenary, she tries to see the good in everyone, and Lady Georgiana, Miles’ intended, is very nice, if misguided in her affections.
What comes across in the end though, even with Miles, Cynthia, the secondary characters and the fun of a house party story, unfortunately it’s missing something. I don’t know if maybe it was some predictable elements of the story, perhaps only good chemistry, not steam it off the page or the length it took for Miles to really see the truth behind Cynthia’s actions. Though it’s a nice story, and something I would recommend, the something missing that I just can’t place makes me a trifle uneasy and unfortunately brought down the grade.
Grade: B
Read other reviews of this and other books in the series by following the Pennyroyal Green series tag.
Summary:
Now or Never. . .
It’s the last chance for Cynthia Brightly, the ton’s most bewitching belle. Driven out of London by a secret scandal, she must find a grand husband at the Redmonds’ house party before word of her downfall spreads all over England. Unfortunately, someone at Pennyroyal Green is already privy to the whispers of broken engagements and dueling lovers: Miles Redmond, renowned explorer and—thanks to his brother’s disappearance—heir to the family’s enormous fortune.
Miles set his sights on Cynthia once, at a time when the ambitious beauty thought herself too good for a second son. But now he’s heir apparent, relishing his control. He strikes a bargain with her: he’ll keep Cynthia’s steamy secrets and help her find a husband among the guests—in exchange for a single kiss.
What could be the harm in a simple kiss? Cynthia is about to discover that it’s enough to unleash fierce passion—and that Miles Redmond is most certainly like no other lover in the world.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in the series:
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and Book 3, Since the Surrender, August 2009 |
