Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long, 4

Book description: 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.

Review: I’ve never read anything by Julie Anne Long before but this book was on so many best of 2008 lists I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. I really enjoyed the writing. Long can do humor and emotional depth equally well. The romance here was adversarial at time but it worked. The characters are developed so well that you totally understand where they are coming from even when they are being idiots. I particularly liked how Cynthia was written. She’s in a crappy situation but she’s tough and is never portrayed as a victim. I highly recommend this one to anyone who likes historical romance. I’ll certainly be reading more form this writer.

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