Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long

Cynthia Brightly and Miles Redmond's book 



Like No Other Lover (Pennyroyal Green Book 2)

By Julie Anne Long

Book Blurb: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.

Oh how I adore the characters Julie Anne Long creates. I'm giving Like No Other Lover a rating of 5 simply because I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard in an historical romance during a particular scene (maybe it was Lisa Kleypas' Scandal in Spring) and just from the sheer joy of loving Miles and Cynthia's story. So maybe there a few other reasons as well but those two are the main ones. 

As with all the Pennyroyal Green books that I have read to date, the writing is simply spectacular. I get so absorb into the stories, so lost in time and grieve when the story is over. Like No Other Lover was just the same. I have read a few of these books out of order and I am working to correct that now. It is so much better to read about each of these couples in the proper order of their romance. I certainly do not mind doing re-reads of the books I have previously devoured. 

Like No Other Lover was like no other historical romance that I have read recently. The entire story timeline occurs during a two week house party (which I normally despise), and there was no villain to thwart the affections between Miles and Cynthia. Thankfully there were no useless mis-communications or mis-understandings between the couple to hold down as the main plot. Miles was an intelligent scientist type of man that wore spectacles yet had a very commanding presence. I LOVED the story. 

I started out not liking Cynthia. I grew to admire her quickly and I was once again reminded of how women in those times were destitute without a husband. She may have had scheming thoughts behind her smiles but her heart got the best of her and ultimately love won in the end.  The parallel between Cynthia's position and the bedroom window spider was not lost on me. Quite relevant considering Miles' affection for the study of insects. Very creative.  

I liked Miles right away but not in a dreamy sort of way. I just seemed to respect him and admired his confidence. His intelligence was really attractive. He was not arrogant at all. 

Okay now my favourite part of the book. I don't want to give away spoilers but let me tell you, the drinking game had me gasping for breath and running for a Kleenex to wipes the tears from my eyes. I had to compose myself. To Julie Anne Long's credit, her humour is always spot on but when she write a scene that is deliberately funny, I break down in a hearty laughter. A very memorable scene for sure. 

Teasers: Spider the kitten, statue of David's penis, secretly entwined hands on a garden bench, "Oh Mr. Redmond. You're so interesting."