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Pennyroyal Green
Isaiah & Isolde: A Pennyroyal Green Prequel
Return to Pennyroyal Green...
A blood feud that simmers over centuries...
A star-crossed-love that echoes across generations...and never died.
Two men, one woman, one fateful choice.
Long awaited by lovers of the Pennyroyal Green series, the story of Isaiah and Isolde starts here.
A blood feud that simmers over centuries...
A star-crossed-love that echoes across generations...and never died.
Two men, one woman, one fateful choice.
Long awaited by lovers of the Pennyroyal Green series, the story of Isaiah and Isolde starts here.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
42 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Julie Anne Long
39 books2,964 followersWell, where should I start? I've lived in San Francisco for more than a decade, usually with at least one cat. I won the school spelling bee when I was in 7th grade; the word that clinched it was 'ukulele.' I originally set out to be a rock star when I grew up (I had a Bono fixation, but who didn't?), and I have the guitars and the questionable wardrobe stuffed in the back of my closet to prove it.
But writing was always my first love.
I was editor of my elementary school paper (believe it or not, Mrs. Little's fifth grade class at Glenmoor Elementary did have one); my high school paper (along with my best high school bud, Cindy Jorgenson); and my college paper, where our long-suffering typesetter finally forced me to learn how to typeset because my articles were usually late (and thus I probably have him to thank for all the desktop publishing jobs that ensued over the years).
Won a couple of random awards along the way: the Bank of America English Award in High School (which basically just amounted to a fancy plaque saying that I was really, really good at English); and an award for best Sports Feature article in a College Newspaper (and anyone who knows me well understands how deeply ironic that is). I began my academic career as a Journalism major; I switched to Creative Writing, which was a more comfortable fit for my freewheeling imagination and overdeveloped sense of whimsy. I dreamed of being a novelist.
But most of us, I think, tend to take for granted the things that come easily to us. I loved writing and all indications were that I was pretty good at it, but I, thank you very much, wanted to be a rock star. Which turned out to be ever-so-slightly harder to do than writing. A lot more equipment was involved, that's for sure. Heavy things, with knobs. It also involved late nights, fetid, graffiti-sprayed practice rooms, gorgeous flakey boys, bizarre gigs, in-fighting—what's not to love?
But my dream of being a published writer never faded. When the charm (ahem) of playing to four people in a tiny club at midnight on a Wednesday finally wore thin, however, I realized I could incorporate all the best things about being in a band — namely, drama, passion, and men with unruly hair — into novels, while at the same time indulging my love of history and research.
So I wrote The Runaway Duke, sent it to a literary agent (see the story here), who sold it to Warner Books a few months after that...which made 2003 one of the most extraordinary, head-spinning years I've ever had.
Why romance? Well, like most people, I read across many genres, but I've been an avid romance reader since I got in trouble for sneaking a Rosemary Rogers novel out of my mom's nightstand drawer (I think it was Sweet Savage Love). Rosemary Rogers, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Laurie McBain...I cut my romance teeth on those ladies. And in general, I take a visceral sort of pleasure in creating a hero and a heroine, putting them through their emotional paces, and watching their relationship develop on the page. And of course, there's much to be said for the happy ending. :)
And why Regency Historicals? Well, for starters, I think we can blame Jane Austen. Her inimitable wit, compassion and vision brought the Regency vividly to life for generations of readers. If Jane Austen had written romances about Incas, for instance, I think, we'd have racks and racks of Inca romances in bookstores all over the country, and Warner Forever would be the Inca Romance line.
But I'm a history FREAK, in general. I read more history, to be perfectly honest, than fiction (when I have time to read!) these days. When we were little, my sister and I used to play "Littl
But writing was always my first love.
I was editor of my elementary school paper (believe it or not, Mrs. Little's fifth grade class at Glenmoor Elementary did have one); my high school paper (along with my best high school bud, Cindy Jorgenson); and my college paper, where our long-suffering typesetter finally forced me to learn how to typeset because my articles were usually late (and thus I probably have him to thank for all the desktop publishing jobs that ensued over the years).
Won a couple of random awards along the way: the Bank of America English Award in High School (which basically just amounted to a fancy plaque saying that I was really, really good at English); and an award for best Sports Feature article in a College Newspaper (and anyone who knows me well understands how deeply ironic that is). I began my academic career as a Journalism major; I switched to Creative Writing, which was a more comfortable fit for my freewheeling imagination and overdeveloped sense of whimsy. I dreamed of being a novelist.
But most of us, I think, tend to take for granted the things that come easily to us. I loved writing and all indications were that I was pretty good at it, but I, thank you very much, wanted to be a rock star. Which turned out to be ever-so-slightly harder to do than writing. A lot more equipment was involved, that's for sure. Heavy things, with knobs. It also involved late nights, fetid, graffiti-sprayed practice rooms, gorgeous flakey boys, bizarre gigs, in-fighting—what's not to love?
But my dream of being a published writer never faded. When the charm (ahem) of playing to four people in a tiny club at midnight on a Wednesday finally wore thin, however, I realized I could incorporate all the best things about being in a band — namely, drama, passion, and men with unruly hair — into novels, while at the same time indulging my love of history and research.
So I wrote The Runaway Duke, sent it to a literary agent (see the story here), who sold it to Warner Books a few months after that...which made 2003 one of the most extraordinary, head-spinning years I've ever had.
Why romance? Well, like most people, I read across many genres, but I've been an avid romance reader since I got in trouble for sneaking a Rosemary Rogers novel out of my mom's nightstand drawer (I think it was Sweet Savage Love). Rosemary Rogers, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Laurie McBain...I cut my romance teeth on those ladies. And in general, I take a visceral sort of pleasure in creating a hero and a heroine, putting them through their emotional paces, and watching their relationship develop on the page. And of course, there's much to be said for the happy ending. :)
And why Regency Historicals? Well, for starters, I think we can blame Jane Austen. Her inimitable wit, compassion and vision brought the Regency vividly to life for generations of readers. If Jane Austen had written romances about Incas, for instance, I think, we'd have racks and racks of Inca romances in bookstores all over the country, and Warner Forever would be the Inca Romance line.
But I'm a history FREAK, in general. I read more history, to be perfectly honest, than fiction (when I have time to read!) these days. When we were little, my sister and I used to play "Littl
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 25, 2025
As much as I enjoyed every single book of JAL’s Pennyroyal Green series (nine of the 11.5 books were 5-star reads for me), I had so many questions about the hinted Isaiah and Isolde connection that I desperately wanted answered. Isaiah was so controlling and cold. So heartless. So lacking love. I didn’t like him at all, and I barely remember Isolde mentioned in the original books.
Only to find out his name and Isolde’s were carved into the famous Pennyroyal Green twin oaks? And the big revelation at the end of The Perils of Pleasure, which was always in my mind as I read the series? Argh! I had questions! So many questions!
So upon finding out about this novella, I expected answers. And because Julie Anne Long wrote it, I expected it to be good.
I didn’t expect to have my heart ripped out of my chest and ground into fine powder and then formed into a paste with my tears.
I’m gonna be wrecked the rest of the day.
*Do not read this “prequel” before the other books of the series, I beg of you. It will not have the same impact if you haven’t already spent time with Isaiah and been frost bitten by his arrogant coldness, or have already heard the legend of the enmity between the Redmonds and Everseas, or been involved in the love stories of their offspring. You’ll have questions and wonder. THEN let this knock you backwards with the answers as it wrings your heart out.
**I’m so very thankful that Isaiah’s children didn’t follow the same path, especially Lyon, who almost did.
Only to find out his name and Isolde’s were carved into the famous Pennyroyal Green twin oaks? And the big revelation at the end of The Perils of Pleasure, which was always in my mind as I read the series? Argh! I had questions! So many questions!
So upon finding out about this novella, I expected answers. And because Julie Anne Long wrote it, I expected it to be good.
I didn’t expect to have my heart ripped out of my chest and ground into fine powder and then formed into a paste with my tears.
I’m gonna be wrecked the rest of the day.
*Do not read this “prequel” before the other books of the series, I beg of you. It will not have the same impact if you haven’t already spent time with Isaiah and been frost bitten by his arrogant coldness, or have already heard the legend of the enmity between the Redmonds and Everseas, or been involved in the love stories of their offspring. You’ll have questions and wonder. THEN let this knock you backwards with the answers as it wrings your heart out.
**I’m so very thankful that Isaiah’s children didn’t follow the same path, especially Lyon, who almost did.
June 25, 2025
I’m AM WRECKED.
I AM FLOUNDERING.
I AM SOBBING OVER THE WRECKAGE WHILE I TRY TO GATHER MY COMPOSURE.
Beautifully tragic and rip-out-your-heart INCANDESCENT.
I highlighted basically 90% of the book and parsing out my favorite quotes is going to be impossible.
The backstory that sets the stage for the entire Pennyroyal Green series was everything I needed and wanted. It exceeded all my expectations.
I am not a fan of love triangles - but the way Isolde is caught between joyous, jocund Jacob and introspective, inimitable Isaiah had me glued to the page. If I were in her place, I don’t know that I could make the choice she was forced to contemplate.
More robust review to come, but I’m pretty sure this will be my top read of 2025.
I AM FLOUNDERING.
I AM SOBBING OVER THE WRECKAGE WHILE I TRY TO GATHER MY COMPOSURE.
Beautifully tragic and rip-out-your-heart INCANDESCENT.
I highlighted basically 90% of the book and parsing out my favorite quotes is going to be impossible.
The backstory that sets the stage for the entire Pennyroyal Green series was everything I needed and wanted. It exceeded all my expectations.
I am not a fan of love triangles - but the way Isolde is caught between joyous, jocund Jacob and introspective, inimitable Isaiah had me glued to the page. If I were in her place, I don’t know that I could make the choice she was forced to contemplate.
More robust review to come, but I’m pretty sure this will be my top read of 2025.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
All the stars- all the emotions!!!!
Today we are blessed with the long awaited prequel to Julie Anne Long’s epic series, Pennyroyal Green!!! Not only that- we finally get the full story of Isaiah Redmane & Isolde… and Jacob Eversea!
I’m not usually a fan of love triangles- but if anyone can write it good and compelling- it’s Julie Anne Long!!! I found myself rooting for Isaiah like I never had before…
This is a heart rendering story of love, following your dreams despite the costs, duty and sacrifice.
All of us who have read this series know the end results between these three, but you can’t imagine the emotional whirlwind that and how much your views on these characters and how this dynamic affects the Redmane/ Eversea feud… and all of Pennyroyal Green.
Overall this book was everything I could have hoped for! The angst, the romance… all the feelings! In my opinion, this was a perfect rendering of this fan favourite story and a great addition to the Pennyroyal legacy.
I think PRG fans are going to be extremely pleased and histrom readers who haven’t had the chance to dive into the Pennyroyal Green world need to read this and be prepared for it deep dive into the series! Sorry- not sorry!😉
Thank you Julie Anne long for this love letter to the Pennyroyal Green lore & my e-arc. I can’t wait for my physical copy to arrive that I ordered at midnight today! I need this book in my hands!!
Today we are blessed with the long awaited prequel to Julie Anne Long’s epic series, Pennyroyal Green!!! Not only that- we finally get the full story of Isaiah Redmane & Isolde… and Jacob Eversea!
I’m not usually a fan of love triangles- but if anyone can write it good and compelling- it’s Julie Anne Long!!! I found myself rooting for Isaiah like I never had before…
This is a heart rendering story of love, following your dreams despite the costs, duty and sacrifice.
All of us who have read this series know the end results between these three, but you can’t imagine the emotional whirlwind that and how much your views on these characters and how this dynamic affects the Redmane/ Eversea feud… and all of Pennyroyal Green.
Overall this book was everything I could have hoped for! The angst, the romance… all the feelings! In my opinion, this was a perfect rendering of this fan favourite story and a great addition to the Pennyroyal legacy.
I think PRG fans are going to be extremely pleased and histrom readers who haven’t had the chance to dive into the Pennyroyal Green world need to read this and be prepared for it deep dive into the series! Sorry- not sorry!😉
Thank you Julie Anne long for this love letter to the Pennyroyal Green lore & my e-arc. I can’t wait for my physical copy to arrive that I ordered at midnight today! I need this book in my hands!!
June 23, 2025
I admire many historical romance authors for the generosity of their storytelling, but few impress me as much as Julie Anne Long. Her devotion to her readers exists on another level entirely. Not only did she gift us eleven unforgettable books in the Pennyroyal Green series, but after years of fans wishing for a prequel to explore the story of Isaiah and Isolde, she’s delivered the perfect novella—independently published and packed with emotional depth.
It doesn’t skimp on anything: emotion, humour, angst. Instead, it offers a rich, complex look at a relationship that lingers in the background of the Pennyroyal Green series. And it makes for a fantastic read in its own right.
As fans will know, there’s a centuries-old curse declaring that once in every generation, a Redmond and an Eversea are destined to fall in love—a cruel twist, since the families have been bitter enemies for just as long. That backdrop adds resonance to the events of this novella.
One of the series’ core themes is revealed in the very first book, The Perils of Pleasure: “life isn’t as tidy as one preferred… life could be the very devil sometimes.” This novella embraces that sentiment. Through shifting points of view, it explores the raw, messy truth of early love and the missteps that can leave lasting marks. It makes us ache, laugh, and yearn right alongside the characters, while also deepening our understanding of the parents of the Redmond and Eversea offspring we’ve come to love.
This isn’t a novella for newcomers—it’s very much a companion for longtime fans of the series. Julie Anne Long has tucked in so many wonderful Easter eggs, and I can’t wait to talk about them with fellow PG readers.
It doesn’t skimp on anything: emotion, humour, angst. Instead, it offers a rich, complex look at a relationship that lingers in the background of the Pennyroyal Green series. And it makes for a fantastic read in its own right.
As fans will know, there’s a centuries-old curse declaring that once in every generation, a Redmond and an Eversea are destined to fall in love—a cruel twist, since the families have been bitter enemies for just as long. That backdrop adds resonance to the events of this novella.
One of the series’ core themes is revealed in the very first book, The Perils of Pleasure: “life isn’t as tidy as one preferred… life could be the very devil sometimes.” This novella embraces that sentiment. Through shifting points of view, it explores the raw, messy truth of early love and the missteps that can leave lasting marks. It makes us ache, laugh, and yearn right alongside the characters, while also deepening our understanding of the parents of the Redmond and Eversea offspring we’ve come to love.
This isn’t a novella for newcomers—it’s very much a companion for longtime fans of the series. Julie Anne Long has tucked in so many wonderful Easter eggs, and I can’t wait to talk about them with fellow PG readers.
July 3, 2025
Absolutely gorgeous! This was so much better than anything I could have anticipated. Isaiah’s & Isolde’s story is beautiful, moving and tragic. I come away feeling far more sympathetic towards Isaiah. But I also feel conflicted because I like Jacob as well. I generally don’t like love triangles, but this one was written so sensitively that it ended up working for me. You could see how conflicted Isolde was about being in love with both Jacob and Isaiah; we can see how it unfolds in real time. Each person was portrayed in their full complexity. I have no idea how the author managed to achieve this in so few pages.
Julie Anne Long teases us about the possibility of writing a second installment of Isaiah’s & Isolde’s story. I fervently hope this happens.
Julie Anne Long teases us about the possibility of writing a second installment of Isaiah’s & Isolde’s story. I fervently hope this happens.
July 21, 2025
only Julie Ann Long could write love triangle AND insta love and make me gobble it up and beg for more
(the tragedy of it all!!!! )
(the tragedy of it all!!!! )
July 15, 2025
I am crying and now I'm going to go reread pennyroyal green. Damnit, Isolde!
July 19, 2025
Brilliant and heartbreaking prequel to the Pennyroyal Green series. This prequel should be read after reading the series, it should not be read as a stand alone. Please also consider this a request to write volume 2 of the prequel and get this book on audiotape as soon as possible. Please!
Upon reading the Pennyroyal Green series, we always knew there was a back story regarding the Eversee parents, Jacob and Isolde, and the Redmond parents, Isaiah and Fanchette. The first book, The Perils of Pleasure drops a major bombshell regarding Colin Eversee’s paternity and yet it was never explained throughout the series
Consistent throughout the series is Isaiah Redmond’s insistence that his children marry not for love, but for duty. He tries to force his children into loveless marriages based on wealth and family connection which would increase the money and prestige of the Redmond house. It’s only by reading this book do we understand that Isaiah was forced by fate to marry for duty, that one moment of telling the love of his life, Isolde, that there was no shame in upholding his duty, devastated her and he ended up losing her for good. If his children will, likewise, marry for duty, his life would not seem so wasted. I finally understand the basis for his cold view of marriage. He cannot admit to himself that his life was completely empty with Isolde.
The echos of Isolde and Isaiah’s love are seen in their children, Olivia Eversee and Lyon Redmond, and, interestingly, both characters are said to be carbon copies of their parent: Olivia looks just like Isolde and Lyon looks just like Isaiah. Olivia and Lyon fall immediately into a passionate love and when Isaiah tells Lyon he will cut Lyon off if he marries Olivia, it’s Lyon, just like his father, who wants Olivia to steal away with him and elope. Again, if Isaiah allows the marriage, he would be essentially negating his own life.
I just love how Julie Ann Long was able to create such beautiful subtext in the dialogue between Isaiah and Isolde, weaving a believable relationship between the two in such short period of time, no mean feat for a novella. The third person narrative was also helpful. Very few writers of this genre could pull off the kind of emotional punch this book delivered in so few words. I was completely wrung out when I finished this book.
I do have questions:
Was Isolde right? If she married Isaiah, would he come to resent her because his father never would have accepted her and the fact Isaiah would have snubbed Fanchette’s powerful family? My guess is “yes”. Isaiah was raised to value his family’s money and position far more than the dictates of his own heart.
Did Jacob ever find out Isolde’s heart also belonged to Isaiah? Did he ever discover Colin’s paternity?
Is Colin Eversee what Isaiah would have become if he was raised outside the constraints of the Redmond dynasty?
Upon reading the Pennyroyal Green series, we always knew there was a back story regarding the Eversee parents, Jacob and Isolde, and the Redmond parents, Isaiah and Fanchette. The first book, The Perils of Pleasure drops a major bombshell regarding Colin Eversee’s paternity and yet it was never explained throughout the series
Consistent throughout the series is Isaiah Redmond’s insistence that his children marry not for love, but for duty. He tries to force his children into loveless marriages based on wealth and family connection which would increase the money and prestige of the Redmond house. It’s only by reading this book do we understand that Isaiah was forced by fate to marry for duty, that one moment of telling the love of his life, Isolde, that there was no shame in upholding his duty, devastated her and he ended up losing her for good. If his children will, likewise, marry for duty, his life would not seem so wasted. I finally understand the basis for his cold view of marriage. He cannot admit to himself that his life was completely empty with Isolde.
The echos of Isolde and Isaiah’s love are seen in their children, Olivia Eversee and Lyon Redmond, and, interestingly, both characters are said to be carbon copies of their parent: Olivia looks just like Isolde and Lyon looks just like Isaiah. Olivia and Lyon fall immediately into a passionate love and when Isaiah tells Lyon he will cut Lyon off if he marries Olivia, it’s Lyon, just like his father, who wants Olivia to steal away with him and elope. Again, if Isaiah allows the marriage, he would be essentially negating his own life.
I just love how Julie Ann Long was able to create such beautiful subtext in the dialogue between Isaiah and Isolde, weaving a believable relationship between the two in such short period of time, no mean feat for a novella. The third person narrative was also helpful. Very few writers of this genre could pull off the kind of emotional punch this book delivered in so few words. I was completely wrung out when I finished this book.
I do have questions:
Was Isolde right? If she married Isaiah, would he come to resent her because his father never would have accepted her and the fact Isaiah would have snubbed Fanchette’s powerful family? My guess is “yes”. Isaiah was raised to value his family’s money and position far more than the dictates of his own heart.
Did Jacob ever find out Isolde’s heart also belonged to Isaiah? Did he ever discover Colin’s paternity?
Is Colin Eversee what Isaiah would have become if he was raised outside the constraints of the Redmond dynasty?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2025
OMG I felt soooo bad for Isaiah. I know how it feels to be so contained with your emotions and thoughts to then one day be vulnerable enough to open yourself up to something so wild, freeing and consuming as LOVE and it doesn’t go as planned. Such heartbreak. I would have never guessed that I would feel more for Isaiah Redmond than Jacob.
I feel like Isolde treated Isaiah more like a friend she deeply cared about…she didn’t really show real affection until he kissed her and then she found out he was getting engaged now all of a sudden she’s openly telling him she loves him etc but she NEVER told Jacob her deepest feelings and she DID love him wholeheartedly. The triangle seemed a bit off as I don’t think she loved Isaiah like he loved her.
I’m glad Jacob took accountability for how he treated Isolde and they found their HEA.
I feel like Isolde treated Isaiah more like a friend she deeply cared about…she didn’t really show real affection until he kissed her and then she found out he was getting engaged now all of a sudden she’s openly telling him she loves him etc but she NEVER told Jacob her deepest feelings and she DID love him wholeheartedly. The triangle seemed a bit off as I don’t think she loved Isaiah like he loved her.
I’m glad Jacob took accountability for how he treated Isolde and they found their HEA.
October 1, 2025
Absolutely enthralling, loved every word on every page. Julie Anne Long is incomparable.
This story is utterly beautiful and is exactly why I read HR. Read this before you start the treasure that is her much beloved Pennyroyal Green series.
...Exquisite!
This story is utterly beautiful and is exactly why I read HR. Read this before you start the treasure that is her much beloved Pennyroyal Green series.
...Exquisite!
July 1, 2025
This love story runs deep within the hearts of all the die hard Pennyroyal Green fans. One woman and the two extraordinary men who love her. Julie Anne Long captures how love can strike not once but twice in a lifetime and how utterly joyful, captivating, and heart wrenchingly devastating it can be. There is beauty in love but there is also pain. Isaiah & Jacob love for Isolde is wonderful and heartbreaking. I honestly don’t think I could have chosen between the two, that’s the brilliance of such a captivating story written so well. I loved it❤️ I want more.
June 25, 2025
Wonderful origin story
Meeting the hearts and minds of all these characters is illuminating. It was is several Swoony tales. I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope to see the 2nd half soon!
Meeting the hearts and minds of all these characters is illuminating. It was is several Swoony tales. I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope to see the 2nd half soon!
August 3, 2025
It's funny, I didn't think I needed this book. I knew there was a triangle, and I knew the impact of said triangle on the Redmonds and Everseas, so I didn't think I needed more than that. I was wrong. Turns out, this is a solid addition to the Pennyroyal Green series. There are so many parallels to the actions of Jacob, Isolde, and Isaiah that I see in their children. I'm not usually one for angst (and yes, this is super angsty. What did you expect--it's a love triangle with young people--kinda goes with the territory), but Long writes so well that I was drawn right in. She says she might write a part 2 to this. I'd say we didn't need it, but well, I've been wrong before!
June 25, 2025
Finally, a love triangle that actually makes sense and has me all up in my feelings for everyone involved. I should have known that it would take Julie Anne Long to do it.
Isaiah and Isolde is the long-awaited prequel to the best selling Pennyroyal Green series (11 books published between 2008-2015). Pennyroyal Green follows two families, the Redmonds and Everseas, who have been locked in a blood feud dating back to the Norman-Saxon conflict, and this novella tells the story of the current generation of the Redmond patriarch and the Eversea matriarch. It is a fascinating and delicious book about bitter rivalries, duty, loyalty, sacrifice, family, and the kind of soul-shattering love that most would dream to experience even once in a lifetime.
Meet Isaiah Redmond and Jacob Eversea at the age of twenty and on the cusp of manhood, and the vivacious eighteen year old Isolde Sylvaine, who captures their hearts. I loved how this book sets the stage for the rest of the series, and the Redmond and Eversea families.
I loved that Isaiah, who is often perceived as being the "villain" of the series, is revealed to be the most complex character of the entire Pennyroyal universe. I also love that there were no winners in the conflict involving Isolde. All three of them manipulated one another by capitalizing on the weaknesses that only the three of them fully understood. This is the reason why the romance works, because the love triangle doesn't exploit the reader in order to be believable and to generate an emotional response. All of the mechanics needed to make the story work are on the page, with Isaiah, Jacob, and Isolde.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💙🌎💙 female rage, pursuit of wealth, gender roles, social mores, class differences, grief, toxic family
🌳Forbidden love
🌼SO MUCH YEARNING
🌳Angst level: 11/10
🌼1790s English country life
🌳Clandestine meetings
🌼Manipulations
🌳It’s not over for any of them 👀
This is my favorite historical read of the year and I can’t rave about it enough. Your heart will be so full and torn out, you’ll still want more.
Footnote: The only other love triangle romance I recommend is Savannah Royals by Lindsay Barrett, but it’s very different in approach.
Isaiah and Isolde is the long-awaited prequel to the best selling Pennyroyal Green series (11 books published between 2008-2015). Pennyroyal Green follows two families, the Redmonds and Everseas, who have been locked in a blood feud dating back to the Norman-Saxon conflict, and this novella tells the story of the current generation of the Redmond patriarch and the Eversea matriarch. It is a fascinating and delicious book about bitter rivalries, duty, loyalty, sacrifice, family, and the kind of soul-shattering love that most would dream to experience even once in a lifetime.
Meet Isaiah Redmond and Jacob Eversea at the age of twenty and on the cusp of manhood, and the vivacious eighteen year old Isolde Sylvaine, who captures their hearts. I loved how this book sets the stage for the rest of the series, and the Redmond and Eversea families.
I loved that Isaiah, who is often perceived as being the "villain" of the series, is revealed to be the most complex character of the entire Pennyroyal universe. I also love that there were no winners in the conflict involving Isolde. All three of them manipulated one another by capitalizing on the weaknesses that only the three of them fully understood. This is the reason why the romance works, because the love triangle doesn't exploit the reader in order to be believable and to generate an emotional response. All of the mechanics needed to make the story work are on the page, with Isaiah, Jacob, and Isolde.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💙🌎💙 female rage, pursuit of wealth, gender roles, social mores, class differences, grief, toxic family
🌳Forbidden love
🌼SO MUCH YEARNING
🌳Angst level: 11/10
🌼1790s English country life
🌳Clandestine meetings
🌼Manipulations
🌳It’s not over for any of them 👀
This is my favorite historical read of the year and I can’t rave about it enough. Your heart will be so full and torn out, you’ll still want more.
Footnote: The only other love triangle romance I recommend is Savannah Royals by Lindsay Barrett, but it’s very different in approach.
June 26, 2025
GUTTED!
I find JAL a solid writer although I have enjoyed some books more than others (looking at you The Legend of Lyon Redmond).
Isaiah has long been my favorite Pennyroyal Green character and I have long clamored for a prequel. Well, JAL did not disappoint.
The writing was evocative without the use of too many similies, something that some readers have criticized JAL for. Jacob felt like a secondary character. He read like a hot guy who comes in and sweeps you off your feet. He saw her, fell in love and then left her. She was right to be upset. The chemistry and connection between Isolde and Isaiah was more authentic, less about his hotness and more about the lonely boy-man inside. Isaiah felt like a fleshed out character, with flaws and vulnerabilities aplenty, something romance books never really focus on. HEA doesn't mean the people are perfect. That being siad, she should have met him under the trees.
The letter broke my heart and the ending inner monologues after their respective marriages had such depth and angst, that I cried into my pillow for about 20 minutes afterward.
Bravo, JAL. Bravo. Can't wait for part deux.
I find JAL a solid writer although I have enjoyed some books more than others (looking at you The Legend of Lyon Redmond).
Isaiah has long been my favorite Pennyroyal Green character and I have long clamored for a prequel. Well, JAL did not disappoint.
The writing was evocative without the use of too many similies, something that some readers have criticized JAL for. Jacob felt like a secondary character. He read like a hot guy who comes in and sweeps you off your feet. He saw her, fell in love and then left her. She was right to be upset. The chemistry and connection between Isolde and Isaiah was more authentic, less about his hotness and more about the lonely boy-man inside. Isaiah felt like a fleshed out character, with flaws and vulnerabilities aplenty, something romance books never really focus on. HEA doesn't mean the people are perfect. That being siad, she should have met him under the trees.
The letter broke my heart and the ending inner monologues after their respective marriages had such depth and angst, that I cried into my pillow for about 20 minutes afterward.
Bravo, JAL. Bravo. Can't wait for part deux.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
Estou destruída. Todos os livros da série seguem um interludio romântico que caminha entre o anseio e a angústia e culmina numa escolha fatídica a ser feita, e em todos eles fizeram a escolha 'certa' e ficaram com a pessoa que amavam no fim. O isaiah é basicamente a síntese do que teria acontecido com certos mcs caso eles tivessem feito a outra escolha.
E acho que é por isso que mesmo desgostando do Isaiah não consigo deixar de simpatizar com a infelicidade dele. Fiquei extremamente triste ao ver ele sofrendo e saber que ele continua sofrendo, um contraste gritante com o livros anteriores que eu queria que ele morresse amanhã hahahah A cena dele na árvore acabou comigo, que dor
Seres humanos são complexos e cada um é seu próprio mundo... acho que não tem nada de irreal na Isolde amando os dois ao mesmo tempo, penso que o irreal seria querer regrar um sentimento que é basicamente reações químicas e ligações neurais fora do nosso controle, no final das contas.
Apesar de gostar do Jacob, e desejar o melhor pra Fanchette, no fundo da minha mente há esse "e se..." acho que gostaria de ter visto uma Isolde e um Isaiah juntos definitivamente, sim. Quem sabe em outra vida
E acho que é por isso que mesmo desgostando do Isaiah não consigo deixar de simpatizar com a infelicidade dele. Fiquei extremamente triste ao ver ele sofrendo e saber que ele continua sofrendo, um contraste gritante com o livros anteriores que eu queria que ele morresse amanhã hahahah A cena dele na árvore acabou comigo, que dor
Seres humanos são complexos e cada um é seu próprio mundo... acho que não tem nada de irreal na Isolde amando os dois ao mesmo tempo, penso que o irreal seria querer regrar um sentimento que é basicamente reações químicas e ligações neurais fora do nosso controle, no final das contas.
Apesar de gostar do Jacob, e desejar o melhor pra Fanchette, no fundo da minha mente há esse "e se..." acho que gostaria de ter visto uma Isolde e um Isaiah juntos definitivamente, sim. Quem sabe em outra vida
June 22, 2025
From the first book of the Pennyroyal Green series, readers are intrigued by the Isolde-Isaiah-Jacob love triangle. Isaiah is the most villainous person in the full series (he is OUT FOR BLOOD and doesn't care that he's hurting his children, much less the person he supposedly loves); Isolde and Jacob have a quieter arc. But of course, these are all background relationships, meaning that readers have wanted to know more for years. (Literally years.)
Well, Julie Anne Long finally decided to give us just a little hint of what happened "back then" and MY LORD THE ANGST! If you're a PRG fan, you know what happens, but the painful pleasure is in reading how they get there. This is definitely a companion novella, rather than a prequel that you should read first - if you're new to PRG, pick this up AT THE VERY LEAST after having read the first full-length novel.
If you've been pining for more Pennyroyal Green the way Isaiah has been pining for Isolde, you're in luck: you, at least, can get what you want.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novella.
Well, Julie Anne Long finally decided to give us just a little hint of what happened "back then" and MY LORD THE ANGST! If you're a PRG fan, you know what happens, but the painful pleasure is in reading how they get there. This is definitely a companion novella, rather than a prequel that you should read first - if you're new to PRG, pick this up AT THE VERY LEAST after having read the first full-length novel.
If you've been pining for more Pennyroyal Green the way Isaiah has been pining for Isolde, you're in luck: you, at least, can get what you want.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novella.
August 17, 2025
(Previously Reviewed on Apple Books)
Julie Anne Long’s latest entry in the Redmond and Eversea saga—“Isaiah & Isolde”—is a very touching story that added much to my feelings about the Redmonds and Everseas.
I am in awe, and overwhelmed; so emotionally involved, and wrecked, and satisfied. I feel that "Isaiah and Isolde" is, ultimately, just so...right.
Julie Anne Long has long been one of my favourite authors. But with this prequel to the utterly captivating saga of the Redmonds and Everseas she has shown that she has heretofore unknown depths of character definition and storytelling, and that is saying something! She has always, from "The Runaway Duke"—the first of her books I read, many many years ago—shown deftness with characters and stories, a mastery upon which she has continued to build.
This story of Isolde and the two men she loved will ever be in my heart and imagination.
Julie Anne Long’s latest entry in the Redmond and Eversea saga—“Isaiah & Isolde”—is a very touching story that added much to my feelings about the Redmonds and Everseas.
I am in awe, and overwhelmed; so emotionally involved, and wrecked, and satisfied. I feel that "Isaiah and Isolde" is, ultimately, just so...right.
Julie Anne Long has long been one of my favourite authors. But with this prequel to the utterly captivating saga of the Redmonds and Everseas she has shown that she has heretofore unknown depths of character definition and storytelling, and that is saying something! She has always, from "The Runaway Duke"—the first of her books I read, many many years ago—shown deftness with characters and stories, a mastery upon which she has continued to build.
This story of Isolde and the two men she loved will ever be in my heart and imagination.
December 14, 2025
Julie Ann Long’s books are like a salve to my heart. I’ve made my way through many historical romance authors’ series and the Pennyroyal books were one of early sets that remains a favorite. Even though I read the series almost 4 years ago, it was like picking up talking to an old friend when reading this prelude to the series. She develops the characters so well you can feel the love that Isolde has for Jacob and Isaiah, both true and both valid in its own right. It’s a struggle real humans face, but all those thoughts and emotions are prosaically described by Ms. Long. Fantastic book, just the right length. There was some allusion to writing another prequel for this series. As a fan, I’d take anything I could get!
Favorite line: “She accepted that one part of her heart must remain forever hidden, the way one side of the moon would forever be unknown even to those who looked upon it every night.”
Favorite line: “She accepted that one part of her heart must remain forever hidden, the way one side of the moon would forever be unknown even to those who looked upon it every night.”
January 1, 2026
The Pennyroyal Green series is my all time favorite historical romance series but I was apprehensive starting this one knowing it couldn’t be a happy ending for all characters (for those not in the know—Isaiah and Isolde become the patriarch and matriarch of the Redmond and Eversea families respectively who have a multigenerational Montague/Capulet-esque feud).
I was mainly worried I’d end it wishing Isolde never married Jacob Eversea bc I love the Eversea family dynamic in the younger generation’s books. In the end I should have trusted my girl JAL because it was a perfect angst-overload love triangle where you rly do see how miz Isolde could get so mixed up between these two men.
I loved it and am so happy for the added backstory that humanized Isaiah Redmond who becomes true love’s biggest hater in the subsequent stories of his children. In the words of David Lynch: Heal your heart, Isaiah. Heal your heart or die!!!!!
Cannot wait for part 2!
I was mainly worried I’d end it wishing Isolde never married Jacob Eversea bc I love the Eversea family dynamic in the younger generation’s books. In the end I should have trusted my girl JAL because it was a perfect angst-overload love triangle where you rly do see how miz Isolde could get so mixed up between these two men.
I loved it and am so happy for the added backstory that humanized Isaiah Redmond who becomes true love’s biggest hater in the subsequent stories of his children. In the words of David Lynch: Heal your heart, Isaiah. Heal your heart or die!!!!!
Cannot wait for part 2!
June 25, 2025
This book was everything one might wish a Julie Anne Long book would be. The longing the heartbreak and the bittersweet feelings you experience while reading it are constant throughout the whole story. Julie has a unique and magnificent way addressing difficult subjects such as a love triangle that leaves you with compassion and empathy for her characters. It was a perfect first part of a much awaited story and I can’t wait for the next part to arrive. Thank you for this wonderful story Julie it was everything I hoped Isaah and Isolde’s story would be.
June 28, 2025
The Prequel you did not know you needed.
Having previously read the Penny Green Books, this novella does a fantastic job of laying the foundation for many of the main characters' personalities and backstories.
I still have so many more questions that need answering, so please Julie Anne Long please Please PLEASE give us the second novella you teased in the introduction.
Pretty Please with sugar on top. :)
Having previously read the Penny Green Books, this novella does a fantastic job of laying the foundation for many of the main characters' personalities and backstories.
I still have so many more questions that need answering, so please Julie Anne Long please Please PLEASE give us the second novella you teased in the introduction.
Pretty Please with sugar on top. :)
July 12, 2025
Great backstory of Isaiah and Isolde’s fraught relationship, seeing as they married different people. If you’ve read the Pennyroyal Green series, you’ll know that the Redmonds and the Everseas have a longstanding feud between their families. Except there’s always a hint of a spark of something between the Eversea mom and the Redmond dad and we’re left wondering if there was a history there. We get that heartbreaking history here in this book and how they ended up on opposite sides of the feud. Loved it, even though I knew the end was going to be unpleasant.
July 1, 2025
I'm dying to talk about this one! We have seen Jacob and Isolde throughout the 11 books in the series and this is their story. It was very moving but I am Team Isaiah and wish Isolde had met him at the trees. I gave it 5 stars because it has me thinking about it long after finishing it, even though she ended up with Jacob (not a spoiler). She said she may write a second novella about it and I would be up for that. Now I have gone back to reread The Perils of Pleasure, the first book in the series. I think JAL is one of my favorite historical romance authors.
June 27, 2025
This is your next read Period and then read the series. It matters not if you have indulged in pennyroyal series. I can't describe how much I loved this story.,even when it made me cry no sob. Hope Ms Long can give us a bit more of the young couples and their children as toddlers and young adults.Thank you again for the great read
July 1, 2025
Normally I *HATE* a love triangle. Especially an honest to goodness one (not one where everyone can see who the real love is). But since Julie Anne Long can write anything, I went with it. And it was gorgeous. Not only does this story stand on its own, but it sets all of the Pennyroyal Green series up incredibly well.
July 17, 2025
Julie Anne Long books ALWAYS a Pleasure!!
Was a bit hesitant about reading this one, as wasn't sure how it would gel with the later books. But as usual, Ms. Long swept me away with her beautiful writing style and gift of storytelling.
One thing that wasn't addressed, I think, was how the vague suggestion that Colin Eversea may have been the son of Isiah...(from earlier book).
Was a bit hesitant about reading this one, as wasn't sure how it would gel with the later books. But as usual, Ms. Long swept me away with her beautiful writing style and gift of storytelling.
One thing that wasn't addressed, I think, was how the vague suggestion that Colin Eversea may have been the son of Isiah...(from earlier book).
October 25, 2025
So we have to read another prequel for when Isaiah and Isolde cheat on their spouses to create Colin, who Isaiah later tries to kill? I just don't have a lot of compassion for him. Also, why cut your sister out? Isolde was going to find out you were pre-engaged any minute, anyway.
Sorry your dad is an ass, but no need to continue that legacy.
Sorry your dad is an ass, but no need to continue that legacy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2026
First read of 2026 and super worth it. This was how I should have felt when I read about Lyon Redmonds story! Wow.. this is how love is supposed to be.. the sacrifices made between the 3 characters are crazy. Really good! It has been a while since I’ve added to my favorites, this for sure found it’s spot there.
June 25, 2025
I am a complete mess after reading this book. And now that I've read the beginning of the story, I'm going to start a reread of all of the books in the Pennyroyal Green series and then the Palace of the Rogues series because I love this world and these people!
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