Review

In the latest book for the PennyRoyal Green series Long introduces the youngest of the Redmond clan, and focuses on how people can easily misjudge others via looks, limited knowledge, and a person’s familial background.  

No one knows better about being misjudged then Jonathan Redmond. As neither the heir or spare he’s not really expected to do anything, but marry well to bring more funds to the Redmond coffers. Seeking to become involved in investments Jonathan needs fund to pursue his latest project. His father doesn’t deem the pursuit viable or Jonathan as an intelligent investment. When you corner a person of ambition, he fights back. I loved how Jonathan is nothing like the way he’s described by his family. Even his appearance is misjudged too many times to count. He’s honorable, determined and dedicated. The only person who notices is Thomasina de Ballesteros.

Thomasina, called Tommy by friends, is the daughter of a famous courtesan and expected to follow her mother’s footsteps. Instead, she wants to help others unable to help themselves. Everything I thought about Tommy proved wrong. She’s definitely full of surprises and I happily got caught up in her story. The problem is she needs some help. Jonathan seems like the ideal candidate. He carries a gun, and wear’s the clothes and authority of gentlemen. With the promise of funds to invest Jonathan agrees to assist, though he knows Tommy is nothing but trouble.

The best parts about this story are the character development and the dialogue. Long has a way with words and a way of creating characters who are driven, dedicated, and daring. Her way with words is conveyed in the dialogue, more so than description, and there’s no better way to showcase her talent then with this:

Why are you tormenting me?” she asked, almost lightly.

“Why are you holding a knife?” he asked, mimicking her tone.

Shock blurred her vision.

The ease had gone out of his posture. Suddenly she knew he was a man poised to spring if he needed to. And this was what he’d been leading up to all along.

She cleared her throat. “Oh…this?”

“Yes,” he said softly. “That.”

She remained silent. She idly tested the tip of the knife with her fingertip. Very sharp. Perfectly deadly.

“Let me guess. It’s not what I think.” “I’m carrying a knife,” she said slowly, “because… I don’t own a pistol.”

He nodded at this insanity thoughtfully. “Oh, one should always carry a pistol. In fact, I’m carrying one now.”

And so he was.

Maybe it’s just the way the characters come together, but their dialogue is humorous, engaging, and I wish I’d written it myself. The initial chemistry is perfect, and builds gradually. These are two strangers who just so happen to know what it’s like to be underestimated and considered lacking by those around them. Together Jonathan and Tommy have a wonderful romance as well as a growth adventure that astounds.

Overall, this is just a good love story. It’s got the unlikely pairing of a third son and a courtesan’s daughter, which serves as a reminder that Long can deliver the uncommon characters with a delicious story. If you’re looking for something with amazing characters, dialogue, guns, and a little bit of subterfuge then It Happened One Midnight is the book for you.

Perfect for lovers of Sherry Thomas.

Reviewed by Landra