A Notorious Countess Confesses: Pennyroyal Green Series
The good news is I understand the publisher will be fixing the ebook version soon, but sadly, anyone with a print version is SOL Shit Out of Luck. There is no consistency as to why she is called what. In mid conversations, characters switch her name and it is so distracting.
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Number of 'Lady Balmain': He was a good egg, Wareham. This schizophrenic conversation loop happens repeatedly with Adam, and the ladies of the town too. There are also many other editing issues. If JAL is reading this by off chance: Seriously, you'd be better off self publishing. This was one of the most frustrating books I've read all year, and that is partly because the story was so captivating I didn't want to put it down - but the editing kept pulling me out of the story.
So I highly recommend people wait until the ebook fixes have been announced, and buy it in that version. The story was worth the frustration, but I sure hope this isn't the new normal. View all 48 comments. This might be my 7th or so re-read, that's how much I like this book! In many of the other Pennyroyal books, I've caught glimpses of Vicar Sylvane.
I love Adam, just love him to death! I love the cover. That blond guy looks something like the guy I'm envisioning for Adam. And since I've been fixated on a certain Mr. Blondie Bun for all my blonds in romances these days, I'm going to change the gif at the bottom to reflect Update: Blondie Bun for all my blonds in romances these days, I'm going to change the gif at the bottom to reflect my current fantasy.
Feast your eyes, ladies! P This is possibly tied for 1 of my favorite Julie Anne Long books, esp. Where do I begin? Let me count the ways I love this book. Nicknamed the Black Widow, she's a tart with a heart and a dramatic flair for timing. Tall, broad, blond and beautiful. A gorgeous man of faith with very strong self-control and can't be swayed JUST by a pretty face. I love how the more she flirts with him, the less receptive he is to her. I love how he demands only truth from her and falls for the woman inside. Good people, not without faults, but underneath it all, good, upstanding people.
I love the process through which the h wins the town over. He's such a good shepherd of his flock! From the first scene of Evie falling alseep the only female parishioner to do so in Adam's experience! Truly, this book was all around perfection. If I can nitpick one thing, it would be that I hardly ever encounter this couple together again in subsequent books in the series.
Adam is regularly mentioned, given his role, but not so much the two of them as a couple. I would have liked to see more of them. Same comment for my other fav How the Marquess Was Won. We never see much of Lord Ice and his wife either. But all in all, it was such a joy to read. If only all historical romances could be so good!
Oct 17, Laura the Highland Hussy rated it it was amazing. In fact, because her husband was older, and died so quickly after she married, they think she did it for the money, of course, which is ridiculous. Sort of ironic seeing as he won Evie in a card game. Eve was a courtesan, and once she married she truly hoped she could settle down and just enjoy her new life. Adam Sylvaine is the vicar and the first time he sees Eve, he notices that she is asleep.
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No one ever falls asleep during his sermons. Not only is he graced with the looks of an angel, but his voice holds people rapt, women especially. Eve feels so ridiculous for both falling asleep in church, and for the way she treated the vicar. But of course, he sees right through her manipulations and just asks why she brought him here. Her answer shocked him. As simple as that, but also, not simple at all. The people of Pennyroyal green all think they know Eve and her reputation. How did I miss that?! There are a couple scenes that make you want to applaud Evie for handling them so well, and there are scenes that will break your heart.
You will not regret it at all! It may be the 7th book in the series, but it works well as a stand-alone. I found myself held rapt to the pages, the writing and story riveted me. View all 9 comments. Apr 12, Kelly22 rated it really liked it Recommends it for: Despite of that, his passion towards his work as a vicar and impeccable manners have practically endorsed him as the epitome of suave noblehood.
His gracious conduct and the fact that he is basically as handsome as the fallen angel himself have made him quite an endearing and popular sort in the little village of Pennyroyal Green. Unmarried ladies and match-making mamas are forev 4. Unmarried ladies and match-making mamas are forever participating to grab his attention for matrimonial assignment.
Parishioners rush to churches each week straining to catch a glimpse of his too striking face and pristine character. He knows his goal and the seriousness of his work and what his parishioners expect of him. What he further comes to dislike when men from her past starts showing up in her life threatening to reveal his baser instinct and primitive possessiveness towards the beautiful countess who is clearly VERY attracted to him herself.
While passion sings and love blooms, performing duty and keeping vows can either end up in a happily ever after or life-long departures with broken hearts. This book is sophisticated, intense, fluffy and amusing all at the same time. The protagonists were thoroughly written inside out leaving no grey areas for them to be dubious and unlikable. Adam Sylvaine is a strong man who is sharp, capable, classy and mature. He is the perfect hero for Evie who as an infamous courtesan used to have men dueling over her. The setting feels authentic since there are anecdotal elements in the story other than the love angle, hence giving it a more leverage.
The characters with clever dialogues are well-written followed by a great plot. So what else do we need to make this book even better? Ms Long does a fine job trying to cover all the points generously. View all 6 comments. Nov 03, Beanbag Love rated it liked it. I was very frustrated with some editing errors like the heroine's name switching between two, it was so annoying!
Also, the storyline is reminiscent of Courtney Milan's "Unclaimed" and I couldn't help making comparisons. A countess who was a former courtesan comes to Pennyroyal Green after her husband of a very short time dies suddenly. All she's left with is a small allowance, a cottage and total ruin A 3. All she's left with is a small allowance, a cottage and total ruin in London.
She meets the reverend Adam Sylvaine and they embark on a friendship when all others are shunning her, her tattered status in London reaching all the way to Sussex. I did like quite a bit of it, Julie Anne Long has a real gift for humor and chemistry. I was very engaged in the couple's slow building attraction and I felt their heartbreak caused by the cruelty of others at several points during the book.
It even brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. But the problem with stories that revolve around a courtesan and a "righteous" man is that they just feel so implausible.
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Especially with this one. Rumors and salacious gossip about the countess seem completely believable and there's no real reason for anyone to think anything else. I'm just supposed to believe there will be a mass change of heart? I applaud stepping outside the box, but I felt that Unclaimed did a better job of making the conclusion somewhat plausible.
While I completely believed these two would fall deeply in love, I thought the societal obstacles surrounding them were surmounted too easily. Ultimately, I didn't buy it. View all 10 comments. I thought this was finally going to be about Lyon and Olivia! View all 3 comments. Feb 10, Ana rated it it was amazing Shelves: Born a poor Irish girl in a broken family, she had to fight for everything she wanted, nothing was simply given to her. She went through a lot of phases - the eldest child in her family who was responsible for her younger siblings, the Covent Garden actress desired by many, the famous courtesan man fought over, and lastly the widowed countess seeking peace in the country.
Her thought from the first visit: She had a horror of boredom. She was positively gifted at avoiding it. Likely some instinct for self-preservation had kept her from churches until now. Well, at least the vicar is handsome, although he wasn't too happy with her, you know since she slept through his sermon. D Anyway, the first time she saw him, there was just something about him: If he were an angel, surely he'd be the fallen sort. She suspected he was a man with secrets, and she ought to know. Vicar Adam Sylvaine knows he needs to stay far away from the notorious countess.
His livelihood depends on people liking him, and evolving himself with Evie would definitely hurt his standing.
But still, she tempts him. I loved the book. Adam and Evie are so perfect for each other. And the entire forbidden love aspect was delicious. The burdens placed onto his back by the members of his parish are heavy, and yet he doesn't buckle under the pressure. And then there's the way he treats Evie - unlike so many other, he's willing to get to know who she really is, and not to simply judge her based on her past. He did have a moment or two when he said bad things to her, things that were meant to hurt, but that simply makes him human. True, it's a path that nearly ruined her, but she did what she had to, so that her family could survive.
It's lovely to see her fall for Adam, to see her finally experience love in all it's glory. And then there are the various people living in Pennyroyal Green. Not just the Everseas and Redmonds, there are just so many great people. There are those who judgmental and mean, but the good ones make up for it. Pennyroyal Green surely sounds like a terrific place to live in. All in all, an amazing book. In fact, the entire series was a true pleasure to read.
PS The pictures aren't really related to the book, except for the time period they originate from. I'm simply trying to somehow justify my Pinterest board with the fashion from the past. Jul 21, Wollstonecrafthomegirl rated it liked it. I read this eons ago [, a simpler time]. And it stayed with me. It stayed with me in a very specific way. And secondly, as a feeling of non-specific annoyance. And so, as is the year of the reread and review, I decided to give it another go because when I read this eons ago [, a simpler time].
Parts of this book are very, very special. Initially and I emphasise that word Adam was just excellent, a very nice mix of pious but with worldly experience of the world, knowledgeable but struggling. She felt anchored to nothing. JAL just manages to show in small and subtle increments the inherent clash between these two people who have, to a large extent, made choices in their lives which are diametrically opposed. And in that clash emerges a fairly delicious sexual tension. Adam unveils his forearm and Eve uses her fichu!
I could not imagine how it had fallen so far off the tracks for me. Why was I ever annoyed? Then, mere percentages later: Adam is a dick. My GOD, it irritated the shit out of me. Looking for the best in people, vicar? Trusting the woman you love, vicar? Adam goes from zero to former courtesan must have thrown it around all over town in under 20 seconds. And even if she did, so the fuck what? And then, to add insult to extreme injury, he does the exact same thing again a couple of chapters later. And thus my respect for Adam and all my good will towards this book evaporated.
Once a jealous sexually possessive dick, always a jealous sexually possessive dick. That is hella cheesy. Not even Lora Leigh 's infamous poor editing was ever as bad as this one. Oct 13, Keri rated it it was amazing Shelves: JAL is a new author for me and this will not be my last Pennyroyal Green. The love scenes were very hot and satisfying. New series for me to finish for Apr 27, Jane Stewart rated it it was ok Shelves: I found myself skimming and fast reading parts to get through it.
Evie became a courtesan to help support her siblings. But she was only a mistress twice before she married a third man and became a countess. But soon he died and she moved to the country. Evie wants to make friends in her new town but all the women shun her due to her past. But Evie carries on and does good things.
Evie is attracted to the Vicar but so are most of the other women in the area. This is a romance so we know Evie gets her happy romantic ending. Other story conflicts are about the local women insulting Evie and being jealous of her. Number of sex scenes: Oct 09, Lisarenee rated it it was amazing.
Throughout life we all have to make choices. Some choices are harder to make than others. Some have the capacity to affect us for the rest of our life and change the views others have of us. Some choices will never be forgotten no matter what we do or if we change. That is what Evie Duggan, the Countess of Wareham, is finding out.
She was hoping what had happened in London would stay there and she could begin her life anew with a clean slate. Somethings in life, no matter how much we My Synopsis: Somethings in life, no matter how much we may wish for them, just aren't meant to be. But if she was to be placed into the same situations she had been, and given the opportunity to change her choices, she wouldn't.
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She made the right choices when she made them. Of that, she had no doubt. Evie is renowned for her beauty and the scandal that seemed to follow her wherever she roamed. Famed for men dueling over her favors, falling over balconies to catch a glimpse beneath her decolletage, and for her husband winning her hand in a card game, she'd gained quite a notorious reputation over the years. When her husband died shortly after they married, the ton unfairly nicknamed her the Black Widow. With his death, her dreams of leading a respectable married life were dashed. She decided to retire to the earl's country estate which she'd inherited from him and begin again.
Gossip, however, has a way of sinking it's teeth in you and following. Adam Sylvaine, the Vicar of the small town of Pennyroyal Green, knew all about reputations. He was descended from a long line of Everseas who were renowned for being Rogues. Despite his devilishly good looks, he'd done all he could to separate himself from the family reputation by being the best Vicar he could and acting exactly as he should.
When Evie Duggan, the Countess of Wareham, comes to town however, he and his beliefs will be put to the test. I so enjoyed this book. When I discovered there would be a priest involved in the romance my thoughts drifted to the movie the Thorn Birds. I was not a major fan of that story. I like happy endings. Thankfully, this one had one. Evie is a rather complex character. She is the kind of person you can't help liking once you get to know her.
She's loyal to a fault, and to her, family comes first. Years ago she and her siblings had been orphaned. She self appointed herself to protect the others, and the trio made their way to London in the hope of improving their lives through the many opportunities of employment the city offered. A large city, however, has a tendency to chew a person up and spit them out.
While they all survived, sacrifices had to be made and Evie's was the biggest. Adam is a truly fun character, but even he realizes he isn't perfect. Evie fascinates and tempts him. He sees her for who she truly is but even he has trouble dealing with her past profession. A part of him fears she's playing him and is afraid to give in to his attraction for Evie. Plus, any liaison with Evie, innocent or not, could destroy his career as a Vicar, a job he's come to love.
As I started reading, I truly wondered how Miss Long was going to pull a romance off between a former courtesan and a priest. Would it be preachy? Would it offend anyone? While there is a sermon or two included, it truly isn't preachy and has a subtle humor to it in sensitive spots while being delightfully hilarious in others.
A truly wonderful combination of romance, jealousy, humor, fear and wit that left me giggling and grinning. On the Lisarenee romance rating scale this one earns a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public.
People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. Evie Duggan has risen from Irish peasant to become Countess of Wareham -- with stops along the way in Seven Dials and Covent Garden, where she was an opera dancer. She married the Earl of Wareham after he won her in a card game.
When he dropped dead shortly after the wedding, rumors swirled that she had done him in and she became known as the Black Widow. Completely ostracized by society, she retreats to Damask Manor in Pennyroyal Green, hoping to live quietly in her reduced circumstances. She h Evie Duggan has risen from Irish peasant to become Countess of Wareham -- with stops along the way in Seven Dials and Covent Garden, where she was an opera dancer. She has no interest in finding a new protector or even a husband, valuing her independence from men above all else. The ladies of Pennyroyal Green have heard all about Evie, and they are not inclined to welcome her into village society.
So, Evie seeks the assistance of the vicar, Adam Sylvaine, who happens to be handsome, charming, and dedicated to his chosen profession. Half the ladies in the village are in love with him, and church attendance has soared since his arrival. Adam is a cousin to the Eversea family, which, along with the Redmonds, have been featured in the six titles of the Pennyroyal Green series.
Adam and Evie are attracted to one another, but each is determined to avoid any complications. Adam helps Evie ingratiate herself with the local ladies, and Evie gradually makes friends. The plot is not full of action, but there is an interesting series of village events -- tea parties, a charity bazaar, and a ball -- that moves things along. There are a few Eversea sightings, and Violet Redmond makes a brief appearance, but this book does not bear much relationship to the earlier ones in the series. You can't help but feel a little sorry for Evie and the lonely life she faces, but she never feels sorry for herself.
Adam is a totally new kind of tortured hero. As a village clergyman, he knows that he cannot become involved with this woman even as he grows to admire her more and more. He struggles a lot with this, and the author uses her Biblical knowledge to draw a very convincing portrait of a man of God undergoing temptation. This book is by no means in the "inspirational"genre, but there is a lot of soul-searching and looking to the Bible for answers. It never grated on me, but I suppose there might be some readers who would find this either silly or distasteful.
Adam is not the only character who knows his Bible, though. One of my favorite scenes has Evie delivering a lesson to a young miss who is jealous of her former best friend. I'm including this quote simply because I like it, and it made me think about envy in a completely new and different way: It is a sin against yourself. It harms you and blinds you to many things, including good intentions. God saw fit to make you perfect the way you are. Not more or less perfect than someone else --perfect as you are.
You need to believe it for the right person to see it. It's Pennyroyal Green, though, a not the real world, so it's just the way things ought to be. Nov 03, Jennifer rated it really liked it Shelves: Slow burn unstarching of a not-actually-all-that-starchy vicar by a unrepentant widow with a past. It would have been five stars but I wasn't crazy about the endless description of Adam's perfection and place in the town in the first chapter - too heavy handed. But, I really loved it. Their first real meeting, on the road after church, put a huge open-mouthed grin on my face, and I was practically holding my breath with delight.
I just love how JAL writes dialogue, like a very witty chess match. I also loved how grounded the story was thanks to the hero - reminded me of how A Lady Awakened incorporated the town life and less fortunate residents. A nice respite from earls and dukes and whatnot. Mar 24, Maria Bikaki rated it it was amazing Shelves: It has been a while since I finished the book and I am trying to think how I am going to express the reasons I loved this book so much. I guess the first emotion that comes on my mind while I still have butterflies in the stomach is a great big smile A Notorious Countess confesses is your book if you want to discover how pure love and romance is.
It is the book that it will bring you to tears and will also bring you a big smile up to the ears. A REAL romance story you c 5 magical stars from me. The story is about Evie Dungan a former actress and courtesan who arrives in Pennyroyal Green after her husband died and let her widowed. With this marriage Evie had the hope that she would settle down and leave her former life to the past but life had other plans for her. Arriving to Pennyroyal green she dreams a new life, a more simple and provocative life, making friends.
Adam from the other hand is the handsome vicar of Pennyroyal. A caring and passionate man who has gained the respect of the community and ok the love and admiracion of all pennyroyal young women Their first meeting was kind of incidental when Evie falls asleep during his sermon Evie seeks help from Adam when the pennyroyal community seems unwilling to accept the black widow like they use to call Evie. Soon Adam feels trapped from her humor, her beauty her personality and he soon finds himself experiencing feelings that were locked deep inside in his heart.
Adam was not a virgin but there was a long time since he has been with a woman but as much as he spends time with her the more his desire wins his mind. Evie from the other hand tastes the same feelings as adam. Actually her feelings for adam is the only think she can resist. I liked her free spirit, I liked theway she never regretted her former life, I liked her being determined to win the pennyroyal society I even like the way she was blushing like a young lady with no experience to men when she was with Adam.
She never thought that she would have to deal with any man but she felt surprised to realize how adam turned into her biggest love. Adam what can I say about adam?
You Know what lately are in fashion other types of literature boyfriends with tattoos or with big problems or dark past. Adam was from the very begging of the book the kind of a man that every girl dreams to stand next to her. A caring, protective handsome man ready to give you the whole world with only with smile. What I liked the most in this book I think was that.
Mrs Long managed to make a book so real so sensitive and delivered us a heartbreaking romance full of tension even though there Is no so much kissing or touching. The writing was so alive that sometimes I even felt that I was there around the corner watching the action. The chemistry was just magical And what I can say about the ending.
I thought my heart would explode. The only think I can say it was my prefect ending. View all 17 comments. Feb 10, Lisa rated it really liked it Shelves: Evie Duggan has had to do some things to provide for her family that the proper woman of Pennroyal Green just can not accept or ignore and they shun the widowed countess upon her move there. As her life, which involved theater, becoming a courtesan, and being one in a card game, has left her quite lonely she sets about to make friends with the woman and enlists the help on the one man who is a central part to all the woman, Vicar Adam Sylvaine.
Adam is the delectable vicar who has captured the h Evie Duggan has had to do some things to provide for her family that the proper woman of Pennroyal Green just can not accept or ignore and they shun the widowed countess upon her move there. Adam is the delectable vicar who has captured the heart of all the young ladies and they don't exactly take to Evie with her sinful past, catching his attention. Yet, Evie's vulnerability strikes a cord with Adam and he agrees to help her find the friends she desperately desires.
Together they launch a plan of attack but the woman of Pennroyal Green still do not quite believe in Evie's redemption and toss her numerous obstacles that she has to overcome. You can find alittle background on the legend of the town and the origins of the feud between the Everseas and Redmonds in the prologue of POP, too.
Here's a quick Pennyroyal Green series "cast of characters. This list will grow over time, may even sprout more branches and family names, and I'll expound a little more on each character in this space as we get to know each of them a little better throughout the series. Also in the Books section: So what's this Pennyroyal Green series about? Other Pennyroyal Green Denizens: Pennyroyal Green Series Places.
Colin Eversea Madeleine Greenway. Miles Redmond Cynthia Brightly.
That scene be brutal! But of course, he sees right through her manipulations and just asks why she brought him here. With main characters who could so easily be stereotyped, Julie Anne has managed to make them both believable and intriguing. Long's writing truly shines in this gem of a historical romance. All the while, Evie can't quite understand her feelings she is developing for Adam and knows that nothing can truly happen as her past will destroy his future. She h Evie Duggan has risen from Irish peasant to become Countess of Wareham -- with stops along the way in Seven Dials and Covent Garden, where she was an opera dancer.
Roland Tarbell cousin and deceased; see POP. Horace Peele and Snap the dog.