Step into the enchanting world of Pennyroyal Green, where forbidden love, family feuds, and steamy romance collide in the heart of Regency England! Julie Anne Long’s Pennyroyal Green series is a historical romance saga that sweeps readers into the fictional Sussex village of Pennyroyal Green, where the rival Eversea and Redmond families ignite passion and drama. With its lush prose, complex characters, and a perfect blend of wit and intrigue, this series is a must-read for romance fans craving an immersive escape.
From scandalous rescues to heart-wrenching betrayals, each book in the series delivers a standalone love story while weaving a larger tapestry of secrets and rivalries. Whether you’re drawn to dashing rogues or fearless heroines, Pennyroyal Green offers a delightful mix of adventure, mystery, and sizzling chemistry that keeps readers turning pages late into the night.
How Pennyroyal Green Began
Julie Anne Long, a USA Today bestselling author and RITA Award winner, launched the Pennyroyal Green series in 2008 with *The Perils of Pleasure*. Inspired by her love for Regency-era romance and Shakespearean family rivalries (think Montagues and Capulets with a romantic twist), Long crafted a world where two powerful families navigate love and grudges. Her goal was to reinvent historical romance for modern readers, blending emotional depth with high-stakes drama. The series’ vivid setting and intricate character arcs quickly earned it a devoted following, with fans praising Long’s sparkling dialogue and evocative storytelling.
The Heart of Pennyroyal Green
The series spans 11 books, plus a novella, each focusing on a unique romance set against the backdrop of Pennyroyal Green’s lush countryside and London’s glittering ton. *The Perils of Pleasure* (2008) kicks things off with Colin Eversea, a rogue sentenced to hang, who’s rescued by the daring mercenary Madeleine Greenway. Their dangerous alliance sparks a passionate race against time. *What I Did for a Duke* (2011), a fan favorite, follows the ruthless Alexander Moncrieffe as he plots revenge but falls for the spirited Genevieve Eversea. *How the Marquess Was Won* (2011) dazzles with the icy Marquess Dryden’s unexpected attraction to a refined orphan, while *The Legend of Lyon Redmond* (2015) resolves the series’ central mystery of Lyon and Olivia’s star-crossed love.
Long’s stories explore themes of redemption, forbidden love, and the clash between duty and desire. The Eversea-Redmond feud, fueled by a curse that dooms one couple per generation to heartbreak, adds a layer of intrigue. Her heroines are refreshingly bold—many are not the typical virginal debutantes but women with pasts, making the series stand out in the genre. The Regency setting, with its balls, scandals, and societal constraints, grounds the stories, while Long’s witty prose and emotional depth elevate them into timeless tales of love and resilience.
Why Pennyroyal Green Resonates
The Pennyroyal Green series has left a lasting mark on historical romance, earning accolades like the 2011 All About Romance Reader Award for *What I Did for a Duke*. Fans on platforms like Reddit and Goodreads rave about Long’s ability to craft psychologically rich characters and plots that balance steaminess with substance. The series’ blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes drama appeals to both seasoned romance readers and newcomers, with its non-cookie-cutter heroines inspiring a fresh take on the genre. Its enduring popularity lies in its ability to make every love story feel epic, proving that passion can conquer even the deepest grudges.
- First Book: *The Perils of Pleasure* (2008)
- Total Books: 11, plus 1 novella (*Malcolm & Isabel*, 2018)
- Awards: Multiple RITA Award nominations, *What I Did for a Duke* won Best Historical Romance (2011)
- Setting: Regency-era Sussex and London
Ready to lose yourself in a world of rogues, rivalries, and romance? Grab *The Perils of Pleasure* and dive into Pennyroyal Green’s irresistible saga today!