Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #283535 in Books
• Published on: 2008-11-01
• Released on: 2008-10-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 384 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780061341595
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author

San Francisco Bay Area native Julie Anne Long originally set out to be a rock star when she grew up (and she has the guitars and fringed clothing stuffed in the back of her closet to prove it), but writing was always her first love. She began her academic career as a Journalism major, until she realized Creative Writing was a better fit for her freewheeling imagination and overdeveloped sense of whimsy. And when playing guitar in dank, sticky clubs finally lost its "charm," Julie realized she could incorporate all the best things about being in a band—namely drama, passion and men with unruly hair—into novels, while also indulging her love of history and research. Since then, her books have been nominated for numerous awards, including the Rita, Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice, the Holt Medallion, Bookseller's Best, and The Quills, and reviewers have been known to use words like "dazzling," "brilliant," and "impossible to put down" when describing them.

Customer Reviews

Gushing with praise over this wonderful story
This might just be the best romance I have read all year. I liked everything about it; the characters, the plot, the humor, the dialogue and the romance.

When Miles Redmond first meets Cynthia Brightly, he is totally enraptured by her. She is the toast of London but he overhears that she is interested only in how much money her suitors have and she even scoffs at marrying Miles, a second son. Miles never meets her that night.

Two years later Cynthia is no longer accepted by the ton due to a nasty duel. Miles is stunned that his sister Violet has invited her to his family's house party. Miles hasn't forgotten her cold words and when they finally converse the first day he is very direct with her. He makes it known that she doesn't need to be casting her lure for him as he is going to marry one of the sweet biddable girls at the house party. Instead she should try to hook one of the other gentlemen attending the party and to assist her he will give her insight on the character and foibles of these men in exchange for one kiss. Cynthia agrees and the kiss they share is earth shattering for both of them.

From then on Cynthia and Miles have a wonderful romance that is not supposed to be a romance. I just loved the interaction between these two because they are so honest with each other. Miles is a scientist and his interest in wild jungles and bugs really fascinates Cynthia. Ms. Long uses metaphors brilliantly when it comes to the similarities of the insect world to human behavior.

Cynthia is desperate and almost destitute but she is not unkind. She is so likable and charming. Her inner thoughts are delightful reading because she is above all honest with herself. She is ambitious and needs to make a good match and she really wants to behave but she does have a wickedly good sense of humor. Several times I laughed aloud at her antics.

Miles is a dutiful son trying to make the best match to please his father but it is so hard to be rational about Cynthia Brightly. Suddenly Miles is waxing poetic whenever he thinks about her and that is sooo unlike him. He is amazed that she inspires such thoughts. In fact every time the leads have a conversation, something extraordinary seems to happen. A wellspring of emotions flow whenever they communicate through words and even through shy smiles and long glances. Cynthia reveals her past and Miles shares his dreams. There are incredibly poignant moments in this novel that just made me smile.

Finally the secondary characters of this novel shine because Ms. Long has gifted them with memorable personalities. The dialogue is really spot on. I highly recommend this delightful and well written novel.

Absolutely Fabulous story!
I have never reviewed a book on Amazon, but highly value other reviews I've read over the years. However, this book was such an unexpected delight I am compelled to share it with others!

The writing was wonderfully evocative - poetic and profane; the characters were unique and thoroughly engaging; the dialog was in turns witty & profound; and the story was simple yet elegant.

I will not review the plot here, but there is one scene which was profoundly moving: when Cynthia and Miles silently acknowledged their mutual but wholly "unacceptable" love by secretly holding hands, I was moved to tears. The simple gesture was such a perfect counterpoint to the tumultuous emotions both characters were feeling. More powerful than the most passionate love scenes I've read lately...

Hurray to Julie Anne Long for giving us such wonderful characters and such beautiful prose. I look forward to her next book with unguarded enthusiasm.

Very Well Done!! Highly Recommend!
When I first started reading this book I thought it was not going to be very interesting or enjoyable. But, to my surprise, with each turn of the page it got better and better and by the end of the book I thought, "Wow! What a great read! So worth it."

There were enjoyable moments of hilarity...you will laugh your butt off at the card game...I was laughing out loud along with with everyone in the story. That scene alone was worth it.

The love between the h/h was so touching and it developed nicely.