Random Pennyroyal Green Selection

I’ve read another book since having finished Julie Anne Long’s It Happened One Midnight, so I have forgotten some of the particulars, but I enjoyed another entry of the Pennyroyal Green series that seems so endless. This particular book, the eighth, is the story of Jonathan Redmond (third son of an aristocrat of unremembered rank) and Thomasina de Bellesteros, a popular, mysterious and attractive women who entertains in an eccentric Countess’ salon every week.

Jonathan Redmond is a rake, or so his character description and narrative implies, though we have little evidence in the actual story. He mentions having been totally unaware of hearts he’d broken in the past, or how it wasn’t fair for women to fall in love with him and not tell him and then get angry when he ends things. So, kind of a rake but respectful about it? He is the youngest son in his family and therefore nothing really has ever been expected of him. His eldest brother has apparently disappeared due to a broken heart (I haven’t read that one) and his other brother Miles married a woman he loves in spite of his father’s disapproval. This woman is currently not allowed to visit the Redmond home. So after a life time of no expectations, all the sudden Jonathan’s father expects him to marry – by the end of the year. He isn’t interested in getting married any time soon and decides to prove to his father on his own that he’s a genius at investing. Thomasina, or Tommy as she’s more commonly known, is a lovely non-aristocratic woman with secrets. Her mother, now deceased, is said to have been a Spanish princess but in reality was the mistress of a duke (apologies for the spoiler, I feel it isn’t a significant plot point). Jonathan happens upon Tommy by chance, but after meeting her he can’t stop wanting to get to know her better. What he discovers is shocking, delightful, dangerous, and admirable and he yearns to know her even more. And naturally the two fall in love.

The obstacles to this couple’s romance are presented from the outset, and there’s not really a memorable final showdown that I can recall, but this novel was enjoyable nonetheless. Tommy is an independent heroine, and not being an aristocrat, doesn’t have to necessarily abide by all of society’s rules. She lives just outside them and escapes serious repercussions for the most part. Jonathan is a stand-up guy overall. I can’t really remember thinking anything terribly negative about either of them. So, if you’re looking for a romance, check this one out. It’s fun, and with some causes in there as well.