I Kissed an Earl - Julie Anne Long

I Kissed an Earl by Julie Anne Long
Series: Pennyroyal Green #4
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: June 29, 2010
Source/Format: Bought || Kindle e-book

Violet Redmond's family and fortune might be formidable and her beauty and wit matchless—but her infamous flare 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. (from Goodreads)

Every single time I see this title, I think of the song I Kissed a Girl. Even though I Kissed An Earl clearly involves a male-female romance, I'd have to agree with the song's next lyric, "... and I liked it." Because I liked this historical romance very, very much! Though I do prefer What I Did For a Duke a teensy bit more, this novel is really great too.

Violet, one of the Redmond clan, is such a funny, likable heroine. She's definitely headstrong, with the ability to make decisions that will have you shaking your head in mock frustration and concern. But that determination is matched by her intelligence and quirks, including the fact that she walks a remarkably line between being ladylike and being uniquely Violet. She certainly meets her match in Flint, who's an earl hellbent on capturing a pirate that's been hassling ships. He may be an earl, but he's quite the rogue and each encounter with him felt like a dance with a handsome, irresistible devil. Their chemistry is off the charts immediately, tempered only by their conflicting interests. Though their romance was not without its difficulties, it was believable, poignant and pretty sweet indeed.

While it certainly isn't perfect, I Kissed An Earl definitely met my need for an addictive, fun historical romance. Long managed to write characters that were appealing as individuals, and as a couple. Plus, she set this fun adventure on the high seas (which earns plus points with me!). If you're looking a new historical romance read, look no further and buy this one right away!