Picture a San Francisco storyteller who traded dreams of rock stardom for crafting swoon-worthy historical romances—meet Julie Anne Long! With her sharp wit and knack for weaving passion, mystery, and humor, Long has enchanted readers worldwide, especially through her beloved Pennyroyal Green series. Her journey from sneaking romance novels as a teen to becoming a USA Today bestselling author is as captivating as her stories.
The Making of Julie Anne Long
Born with a storyteller’s heart, Julie Anne Long grew up in California, where her first work—an illustrated tale of talking apples—hinted at her creative spark. Her love for words shone early, as she edited her elementary, high school, and college papers, eventually switching her college major from journalism to creative writing. Inspired by romance giants like Rosemary Rogers and Kathleen Woodiwiss, Long found her calling in historical romance, fueled by a lifelong passion for history and Jane Austen’s witty Regency worlds.
Before novels, Long dreamed of rock stardom, her Bono fixation leading to guitars and an eclectic wardrobe. But writing was her true stage. After honing her craft through editorial roles and desktop publishing jobs, she debuted with The Runaway Duke in 2004, launching a career that would redefine modern historical romance.
Julie Anne Long’s Unforgettable Stories
Long’s novels are a delightful blend of emotional depth, sparkling dialogue, and Regency-era charm. Her Pennyroyal Green series, centered on the feuding Eversea and Redmond families, is a fan favorite. The Perils of Pleasure (2008) kicks off the series with a daring mercenary, Madeleine Greenway, and a roguish Colin Eversea, blending adventure and romance. What I Did for a Duke (2011), a standout, follows a vengeful duke and a spirited heroine, earning praise for its intense chemistry and clever prose.
Her Palace of Rogues series, like Lady Derring Takes a Lover (2019), showcases her ability to reinvent the genre with bold heroines and layered heroes. Long’s style—witty, sensual, and emotionally rich—creates stories that feel both timeless and fresh. Themes of redemption, scandal, and love’s transformative power run through her work, earning her comparisons to Amanda Quick and Julia Quinn.
With 33 books, including the Hellcat Canyon series, Long’s versatility shines. Her contemporary romances, like Hot in Hellcat Canyon (2016), bring the same humor and heart to modern settings, proving her storytelling transcends eras.
Why Julie Anne Long Matters
Julie Anne Long has left an indelible mark on historical romance, earning a RITA Award for It Started with a Scandal (2016) and nominations for her dazzling narratives. Her books, translated into 18 languages, resonate with readers for their emotional authenticity and vibrant characters. By blending humor, mystery, and passion, she’s modernized the genre, making Regency romance accessible and thrilling for new generations.
Long’s impact extends beyond awards. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and Reddit praise her “psychologically stunning” plots and prose that feels like art. Her ability to craft heroes and heroines who evolve through love has cemented her as a beloved voice in romance, inspiring both readers and aspiring writers.
About Julie Anne Long
- Born: California, USA
- Key Works: What I Did for a Duke, The Perils of Pleasure, Lady Derring Takes a Lover
- Awards: RITA Award (2016), multiple nominations
- Fun Fact: Once aspired to be a rock star with a Bono obsession
Snag What I Did for a Duke and dive into Julie Anne Long’s irresistible world of Regency romance! Her witty, heartfelt tales are your next obsession waiting to happen.