WHAT I DID FOR A DUKE is the fifth book in the Pennyroyal Green series. It is the story of Genevieve Eversea who finds out that the man she loves intends to propose to her friend. She is set adrift by this information and that is when she meets Alexander Moncrieffe, Duke of Falconbridge. The duke cultivates a relationship with Genevieve because he intends to seduce and abandon her in revenge for Genevieve’s brother having seduced the dude’s fiancee.

I loved this book. The book builds slowly as the duke begins the relationship seeking revenge and ends up in love. By the time the last chapter arrived, I was completely transfixed with the story and the relationship between Genevieve and Alex. The story is complex and Long does not take the easy way out by making the choices of the characters simple. Long has an amazing way of bringing characters together who at first seem so different but in the end are so clearly of the same “species” as Alex says.

I absolutely recommend this book. I would rate is a 4.5.

I KISSED AN EARL is the fourth book in the Pennyroyal Green series. It is the story of the wayward Violet Redmond and the newly minted Earl of Ardmay, Asher Flint. A gypsy fortune predicted that Violet would take a sea journey. Violet who is impulsive stores away on Flint’s ship as he goes in search of a pirate who might be Violet’s missing oldest brother.

These two characters are so well match: arrogant, passionate, determined, strategic. The two are engaged in gameplay and gamesmanship throughout the book. Being at odds over Violet’s brother the two cannot see a future together and yet they are kindred spirits. I loved the interplay between Violet and Flint. Both have reasonable positions and the book does not shy away from the difficulties they face.

I could not put this book down. The strong, clear unadorned language of the book allows the emotions and choices of the characters to shine. This is my favorite of the series so far.

I recommend this book — and you can read this book without having read the prior books.