Every time I see or think of I Kissed an Earl, it's to the tune of Kate Perry's I Kissed a Girl. And I shan't feel bad for making the comparison.Because Violet kisses an earl. And she likes it.There wasn't any cherry chapstick, though. But a cherry did get popped... I get ahead of myself.Anyway. In true fashion, I've been reading this series out of order and, well, I've seen Violet and the earl post-HEA, but it didn't lessen the angst (a good sort of angst, mind you) of the story. In fact, it gave me a weird sort of book hangover that I haven't felt for a while. (But I was also hungry at the time, and maybe the lack of food contributed to it. Who knows.)Man. Violet and Asher were well matched, yet delightful together. Violet needed someone who could challenge her and keep her in line. (Trouble, that one.) And Asher needed someone fierce and loyal and who understood what it means to love. There was a ton of TENSION in this book. I mean, sparks and flames and that was before they even kissed.Bonus, all the time spent on the ship didn't get bogged down with nautical terms, which happens occasionally when historomances are set on ships. I also liked that I got more of the Lyon Redmond story, since that's a thread that runs throughout the entire series, and this was the first time that things in other stories clicked for me. I really, really want the Lyon/Olivia story because man. Drama there. I am most definitely enjoying the Pennyroyal Green series, and this was representative of why, even though it lacked some of the more lighthearted, laugh out loud moments that other books had. Still. I think Julie Anne Long has the possibility of becoming a favorite, and I don't say those sorts of things lightly. I always laugh at the "bodice ripper" type book covers. Very in-your-face and cliched but Ive never ever been one to judge a book by the cover...I picked this up under recommendation and for the life of me cannot remember who had me read this author. I'm so glad I did because truly, Ms. Long's writing is fantastic. FAN.tastic.These characters are intriguing, realistic, fully-faceted and yet, the author knows the exact phrase or word to unveil the characters slowly, unfolding brilliantly and constant as the story progresses. Engagingly strong with convictions. Spirited but not ridiculous or forced. Genuinely enjoyable to read. Royalty, mystery, pirates, sailing ships, ties of family, love, want, and loyalty all wrapped in superb storytelling. So grab your nearest book cover and quit your giggling. This author is well-worth a knowing eye from your librarian or bookseller over your newly acquired "bodice ripper". Yeah, yeah, yeeah...well rip this: As long as Julie Anne Long writes? She will always have a reader here. You go, girlfran.
Do You like book I Kissed An Earl (2010)?
Juicy love story. I really couldn't put this down when I was about halfway through.
—gbridge88
I like this one better but it drops a HUGE mystery into the series.
—anne
