The Legend of Lyon Redmond

What a beautiful love story. So sweet and honest and believable. In all fairness, I'll admit I didn't read the entire epilogue; however, I did try to read it but was compelled to abandon it after only a few pages. I felt as if said epilogue was robbing me of completely savoring Olivia and Lyons story. Perhaps, upon completion, it may actually enhance their already beautiful story, but alas, I am happier not knowing for certain.

I am a big fan of JAL, but this book was weak all the way along. I waited for Lyon and Olivia's story a long time, and this doesn't even seem as if it's from the same author. Lyon does not portray La Chat at all...this guy has been gone for 5 years, rebuilt himself, etc and he acts the same as he did as a lad out of Oxford. This book could have been amazing if she would have slowed down. I feel like L and O got cheated. :(

I read this book in one day! I tried but could not put it down! I smiled, cried, laughed.. I frll in love with Lyon as much as i felt for Olivia. This is my favorite story not just of the series but of all time. I will read this book as much as i read I KISSED AN EARL times infinity! I definitely recommend and wish i could give it way more than just five stars. I would rate it a night sky of stars! Anyone who is willing to put life on hold and get lost in aomething beautiful this is the read for you.

While all of the Pennyroyal Green books can be read on a stand-alone basis, the Legend of Lyon Redmond benefits from reading many (if not all) of the 10 preceding books (especially I Kissed an Earl, Notorious Countess Confesses and It Started With a Scandal). Throughout the series, JAL gives us tidbits about the background of Olivia and Lyon, but it's not until the Legend... that we actually get their whole backstory. The Legend opens with Olivia engaged to be married to a pleasant and wealthy viscount and Lyon being forewarned (the note from Lavay informing Lyon of the upcoming nuptials made a great ending to It Started with a Scandal). The story of O&L is told in a combination of flashbacks and present and builds to an emotional climax when the characters reunite after five years. JAL does an excellent job convincing us that the characters needed time apart to mature before getting their HEA. The epilogue was a bit of a miss for me. It reverts to today (Oct 2015) and gives details of the lives of many of the PG characters from the perspective of one of Olivia's relatives. It wasn't necessary and was distracting after heaving a great big happy sigh at the end of the story. Maybe JAL was saying, "Hey, I can write in the contemporary voice, too" which is where she is headed next. JAL has the rare gift of telling a beautiful love story with just the right emotional pitch without being overly sentimental or sappy. I have enjoyed the PG series immensely and was grateful that the Legend was released only six months after the last book when a year between releases is typical. Like many fans, I will miss the annual installment of one of my favorite groups of historical characters.

This was incredible. I've just completed this beautiful love story and my emotions are all over the place. I'm not really going to go into a review on the synonymous of the story but just my what my thoughts and feelings about this incredible book. Olivia and Lyon's story is one of forbidden love, in as both families have been rivalries for what seems like forever. The story is interwoven with past and present.B]It begins in the present with Olivia the heroine preparing for her wedding to a man she just likes. Lyon the wonderful hero who's been gone for five years, is being told that Olivia's getting married. We have the past part of the story on how they first meet, fall in love and the heartbreaking split which last five years. It's done so well and seamlessly that the story flows beautifully. We see and feel (trust me you will be immersed into what they are feeling) the beginning of their first meeting and the blossoming of their love/romance. You'll also be transported into the heartbreak and agony of their lost love and separation. And then the journey of hurt, anger and healing. Relationships of Father's and Mother's are relevant and significant in their love story. Siblings are interwoven throughout the story and how they impact and affect hero and heroine. And the end is a crescendo of emotions and feeling of one of the top most beautiful love stories I've read in a long time. This story touched my emotions in such a way I was crying at certain parts (rarely happens when I read) of the book. I was pulled into Olivia's and Lyons world in such a way that I was living every wonderful, agonizing and heartbreaking moment of their relationship. It's so clear to the reader that these two are made for each other, compliment each other, and know each other like know one else. The characters are living, breathing people that come to life in the span of this book. The secondary relationships are just as vivid and real. Drawing emotions of anger, frustrations, empathy and sadness. You had a major epic love story and interwoven are other beautiful secondary love stories with some that are tragic (one of the tragic love stories surprised me at the end). I liked Olivia the heroine but absolutely loved her when she was with Lyon, she became a beautiful person with him, if that makes sense. And Lyon, wow what can I say but what an epic hero who I absolutely loved. His love for Olivia and total devotion was incredible to behold. This one goes on my keeper shelf and goes on my list of best historical's I've read (Violet and The Earl Ardmay are up their too, Book 4 -I kissed and Earl). Just a couple side notes. I wish it was a longer read and felt there was more to add to their story to write about and their reconciliation. Their scene of finally confronting their pain and hurt could/should have been longer. Haven't read the epilogue yet, relishing in their story because a lot of disappointed reviews on it not being about Olivia and Lyon. And with that being said how about a novella on Olivia and Lyon five years later and where their lives are at. Okay 2 AM and I'm hoping this review makes sense. VERY happy with Oliva and Lyons story. (less)

This is the best book I've read in a very long time. Cannot say enough good about it. Read it!! Just don't have anything else on your to-do list because it won't get done!

Amazing!!! Absolutely loved Lyon and Olivia! What a fantastic way to bring it all in. I could picture every single line and emotion that passed through these characters. Lyon truly is such a legend of a character and it was great to see what actually happened between him and Olivia that drove him to leave all behind. Their love felt so deep and Julie Anne Long, gives all us women out here hopes and dreams of finding a love this deep and true :) really, loved it! I do hope it's not the end of Pennyroyal series; I'd love to hear about Evie's brother! Please continue writing stories of this era. Julie broke my heart with Isaiah Redmond and Isolde Eversea. All of her books have had a happy ending and I truly, truly felt torn by the incomplete love they had. Although Isolde loves her husband, it seemed like her true love was Isaiah. Ah I wish she'd reincarnate them in another life and unite them :)