My Season of Scandal

The Palace of Rogues #7

by Julie Anne Long

A notorious rake meets his match in a doe-eyed girl from the country, changing the course of both of their futures…

A London season is the chance of a lifetime for Catherine Keating. But the ton’s glitter and decadence and casual cruelty threaten to crush her hopes of finding a husband before her season even begins... until she accidentally acquires one of the most scandalous men in England as a secret chaperone.

Famously fiery Lord Dominic Kirke can hold the House of Commons—and any woman he chooses— in thrall. But when his house goes up in flames in the dead of night, he finds himself at the Grand Palace on the Thames. And there he discovers his cynical armor is no match for another an innocent country girl with a crackling wit and eyes like a summer sky.

He's maddening, elusive, hopelessly charismatic, wrong in every way—perfectly designed to break her heart. But she doesn't know she holds his battered heart in her hands. And though it will destroy him, Dominic knows loving her means setting Catherine free for the life—and man—she deserves.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Regency

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2024

About the author

Well, 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

Reviews

[chan ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

genuinely so phenomenal. i don’t believe i’ve read anything by this author before but i’ll be perusing her backlist asap.

she does a great job at writing the complexity of emotions i really appreciate. genuinely sophisticated without being inaccessible.

if you’re in your bridgerton era, might i suggest this instead.

[Jessica White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am DEVASTATED by this book. Utterly ruined. How can you simultaneously find joy and plucked heart strings at the same time? I am saying this now, My Season of Scandal will go down as one of the most romantic, most iconic romance novels in historical romance. And no, you cannot refute this. My endorphins are flying, my head is swimming with love for Catherine and Dominic and I just want to sit and rest in this book.
I am ashamed to say that I have not read any of the other Palace of Rogues books and did a little research so that I could have a bit of back history (a few of the characters in The Grand Palace on the Thames are from prior books). It’s safe to say that this can still be read as a standalone, of which I will quickly remedy. Never have I felt so much sympathy and sorrow and love for a rake like I have for Lord Kirke. Gah, back story is everything! Dominic’s encounters with Catherine take place most often behind potted ferns or oversized plants in ballrooms and their conversations were everything. The two of them are matched on intellect, wit, and their verbal sparring and inside jokes had me snickering constantly. SLEEVES! FACE-LICKING! PHALLIC BLOOMING PLANTS! (IYKYK) I loved that they got to know each other when they were both seeking refuge and they paid attention to what the other said. Listening as a love language, who knew?!
The way Kirke and Keating behave around one another exudes love, from simple words and acts to the most romantic of all romantic grand gestures. Julie Anne Long is the Mistress of Metaphors and writes her characters so lovingly and so beautifully that you can’t help but fall in love with each and every one of them (Mr, Delacourte, Mrs. Pariseau, Dot…). I felt all of the feels, swooned, sighed, laughed, and cried and I just beg of you to go pick up this book. Then immediately message me so we can DISCUSS! I graciously received an advanced copy from Avon. All opinions are my own.

Star rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟x10
Steam: 🪭🪭

[Izzie (on pause) McFussy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Saving time by quoting my review for “How to Save a Wild Rogue,” the previous book in the series:

“Like an ocean liner attempting to navigate a river stream, every emotion was battened down with similes, metaphors… slow going. The romantic sentiment was outstanding.”

To elucidate on “slow going”—the narrative read like dual marathon therapy sessions. In order to reach their HEA, Catherine and Kirke needed to talk out their feelings, understand who they were, and what they needed.

Quibble: Same for #6. The series setting, The Grand Palace by the Thames stretched my suspension of disbelief. Since Lady Wisterberg offered to chaperone Catherine during the London season, why wouldn’t she have invited her to stay in her roomy town house?

[PlotTrysts · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Julie Anne Long gives us the story of two perfectly-matched characters, even though they might seem mismatched on the surface. Kirke is a fiery politician; Catherine is a fresh-faced country beauty. They meet because they both happen to be staying at the Grand Palace on the Thames.

JAL writes books that are simultaneously hilarious (her touch with humor is incredible) and touching. This series in particular showcases her comedic skills: the ensemble cast of secondary characters, including former couples and longterm TGPOTT lodgers, works on so many levels! What's more, the central romantic relationship is just angsty enough to please everyone who likes a fraught emotional relationship. Final note: do we love an age gap relationship? Usually not. Here it works well, but we think that if you love an age gap, you'll be pleased!

All in all a great addition to the series! 4.5 stars rounded to 5.

2-Word Summaries:⁠
⁠
Meg: Wall hump.⁠
⁠
Laine: Precipitous waltz.⁠

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Chloe Liese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who's surprised I loved this? Not me! JAL never misses, and gosh darn, did she get me good with that ending (the clover speech? cue sobs). This one was more of a slow-burn than some of the other books in this series have been, but boy did it work for me and it felt so right for their relationship's pacing and growth arc. Love spending time with this series' ever-expanding ensemble cast as well as the core motley crew and can't wait for the next Pale of Rogues installment!!

[emtee · Rating 5 out of 5]

He held up a hand. “Ah. Say no more. You hail from a place where you can freely wail the song of your people to the hills, like a wolf. Mere walls cannot contain your exuberance. Sleep is as nothing when you are filled with song. One simply must twirl.” Her stomach contracted against the sardonic onslaught. He was so beautiful and colorfully mean. Despite herself, she was perversely thrilled. He was an entirely new creature to her experience, and she’d come to London for new experiences.

I was enchanted… five stars are not nearly enough, and this book has become my favorite of the series. Highly, highly recommended!

JAL gives us two likeable, lovable characters who were layered, relatable, imperfect, but just so perfect for one another.

Character-driven romance is my jam, and oh did this story deliver. The connection between Catherine and Dominic was intense and powerful and their chemistry so delicious it was palpable.

She’d never danced with his sort of man before. The way he moved his body, his gaze, and the way he’d touched her—everything felt like intention. As though he never put his hands on anything or anyone without the determination to possess it wholly. The gravity of whoever he was and the things he knew seemed to communicate themselves to her body through his hands. And just like that, her skin felt as if it was made of a thousand tiny lamps, all softly blazing. As if her every cell had raised a violin to its shoulder and drawn a bow.

The first half of the book was the lighter, fluffier, comforting story of found family and humor that I expected. What I didn’t expect was the deliciously angsty turn the story took in the second half, so poignant and heartfelt that it tugged hard on my heartstrings.

She extended a little pale pink sprig of blossom. After an absurd hesitation, he gently took it from her. Reflexively, he held it to his nose. His eyes closed fleetingly and involuntarily. It was so vulnerably soft it made his heart contract. It was indeed the color of her lips. Which were, in all probability, exactly this soft. His head went light. He tucked it in his coat pocket. “Thank you,” he said quietly. When he could speak again.

***

He thought he was a fighter. She was ruthless. She came out with knives whirling in her hands and one clenched between her teeth. A menace in silk, aiming straight for his weakness. She was his weakness. And even though he understood her tactics, he was shocked to find himself helpless against them. He could almost taste the jealousy, like blood in his throat. He was at once filled with ferocious admiration and fury, at both himself and her.

[Crystal's Bookish Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Anne Long is at the top of her historical romance writing game. I adore this series, each book is so swoony and romantic, while also continuing to feel like the best and most cozy version of a brothel turned hotel found family complete with an epithet jar and ghost stories told every night that I have ever read.

If you're looking for a romantic, cozy escape with characters that feel like best friends you must read this series.

[Annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 I cannot do this justice ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hear me out, this book cannot be summarized, there is a reason the blurb is vague. It’s the language, the wordsmith sorcery JAL uses, that will hypnotize you into a world of love and break your heart a little.

It’s is a book that requires time and attention. I often listen to an audiobook and paint or do chores or whatever. This book demands you sit down, brew some tea and follow the poetry that is this book. If you cannot surrender to that, this probably wont be for you.

Dominick and Katherine’s relationship grows and develops so slowly but so beautifully. I cried so hard last 20% and I never cry. Not sad tears nor happy ones, but this book grabbed my heart and squeezed.

Shout out to Lori! Thank you for making me finish and make me battle my impatience. The reward was significant ❤️

This was my first book by JAL, it will not be my last ❤️

It was a delight to read the epilogue! This is what an epilogue is supposed to be.

Should you read it? Yes yes yes. Today and cancel tomorrow ❤️

[aarya · Rating 4 out of 5]

2023 Fall Bingo (#FallInLoveBingo🍂): Dance

4.5 stars

I yearned for a Capital R Romance and my prayers were answered. Loooooved this. Definitely my favorite of the series, and it potentially rivals WHAT I DID FOR A DUKE as my favorite JAL. I have a complicated relationship with JAL historicals; a third are meh, a third are nice, and a third causes my head to spin for weeks. MY SEASON OF SCANDAL belongs in the last category.

It's impossible to summarize the plot because the entire plot *is* the blurb. They're neighbors at a boardinghouse and attend several balls together. That's basically it. But it's not boring. I would NOT classify this as "no plot, all vibes" (something I dislike) because the emotional journey is hella compelling and rife with exquisite tension. I often complain that protagonist conversations are shallow and artificial: are they merely bantering or do they actually like each other? Here, so much space is devoted to emotionally resonant conversations. Cat and Dominic understood what made the other person tick; their love brought out the best versions of themselves. That's all I ask for in a romance novel.

Also: CLOVER. Incredible reveal. Gah.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[i_hype_romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your dreams lie shattered and you learn that sky blue dresses and shillings are a confession…
When her losses have made her wise and brave, and yours have left you brittle and petrified.

It starts with too much sherry, potted ferns, a handkerchief and glances caught and held.
It ends with the desperate need to assure yourself that the reason your lungs have seized is because someone else has stolen your breath. It ends with evisceration and a true dark night of the soul full of painful recriminations.

Dominic Kirke is a man of the world. Jaded and selfish by his own admission.
He is not the sort of man Catharine should be daydreaming about.
But Dominic Kirke goes through life with a veneer and she’s the only one who sees through it to the man beneath.

She’s in London because she’s known loss, and will soon know it again. She doesn’t want to live alone and unknown when that chapter comes.
He is a ruthless creature of London who’s clawed his way to the top of a political heap. He’s driven and charismatic. The walls he’s erected are so high and impenetrable, he thought they’d protect him forever.

But a girl who knows the line between grief and joy is precarious, can’t help but fall for the fiery tenderness when he looks at her.
And a man who thought he was invincible finds himself wrecked by the shrewd insight of this girl who sees straight to the core of him and subtly, methodically lays waste to his defenses.

This book is something to be savored and cherished. Like a refuge of bees and clover where you can languish in solitude and find shapes in the clouds.

Five screaming unhinged stars.

Some of my favorite excerpts:

Bloom and decay, birth and death—nothing instilled pragmatism and awareness of the rhythms of life more than growing up in a small town in Northumberland as the only child of the only doctor for miles and miles. She’d learned that everything beautiful and beloved was merely on loan. The gift in knowing this was that every moment now seemed as precious as currency, and every rare pleasure pierced.

“Ah, indeed I am Welsh, Keating,” he replied indulgently. “All the way from Satan’s Arse Crack, a little town near Cardiff.” Not even in her wildest dreams had she ever thought she’d hear the words “Satan’s arse crack” so exquisitely enunciated. She began to wonder if he was a lot drunker than he seemed. “It sounds lovely,” she decided to say. “And explains a good deal.”

Only he knew the truth: before the age of twenty he’d felt nearly everything a man could feel, in gruesome proportions. Soaring love and searing shame. Passion and joy, terror and struggle. Gutting loss. The whole bloody lot had dug such brutally deep channels through him that little he felt in the aftermath was capable of shaking him or leaving a mark. Nearly every emotion he’d felt since had seemed a mere echo by comparison.

She began to understand how difficult men could become an acquired taste, enjoyable in limited quantities, like espresso, or violent thunderstorms.

Kirke never dreamed he’d be so entertained by hearing Bolt and Hardy defend their masculine honor against a fictional genie.

Change is also the thing that makes things more precious, isn’t it? Knowing that anything in life can end in a heartbeat, at any time for any reason, and that things may not always be the same? And if you know that you’re going to live forever, and if someone you love lived forever, would you not then take them for granted? Do we love things and people because we know they’re temporary? I . . . I just wondered.

His chin brushed her temple. He closed his eyes because her hair against his cheek was silky and he wanted, for one mad moment, to feel only this ever again. Every muscle in his body locked against a furious onslaught of longing.

She didn’t know that one person could make the rest of the world seem flat and false by comparison, like so much stage dressing.

[Joanna Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it was not my favorite by JAL. She can convincingly write how two characters that wouldn’t naturally come in contact find a needed connection they would never find elsewhere. That’s what happened here between the career politician, Lord Burke, and the daughter of a rural doctor, Catherine Keating. The Grand Palace on the Thames featured heavily in this one. An enjoyable story and easy to read, but it also took me a few days because I didn’t find myself picking it up at every opportunity.

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

THANK YOU NETGALLEY!!

The moment I checked my email and discovered this book sitting on my shelf, "approved" by the powers that be to be read, from Netgalley, I devoured it right away.

I have always been a Julie Anne Long fan, always always. Esp. her historical romances. I will say, however, that some of her books didn't work for me, and I lamented that my fave HR author had lost her spark.

That's NOT the case here!

I read this book in ONE SITTING, in exactly 4.5 hours. And I cried! Lots of tissues used! And I LOVE a great love story that makes me cry happy tears!!

(But I still hate the cover)

Dominic is not exactly a rake and a cad, he's simply a determined man who doesn't like complexity in his life, esp. anything related to emotions because he'd suffered tragedies in his life at an early age. A typical tortured hero background. The author didn't shy from his dalliances, and how they hurt the heroine even tho he'd had them before he met her, but they weren't egregious. They were simply a man with needs arranging for those needs to be taken care of. His heart had never been touched (except the once before).

Catherine is a lovely heroine. Her innocence, intelligence, optimism and astuteness were perfect to balance and also counter-balance Dominic. They were so perfect for each other.

Very likable separately and together. She's very brave for daring to love someone so hard to love like him. Not hard to love because he's unlovable, but because he doesn't let you. He's so protective of himself and he has such a hard shell. But she peels back his layers so methodically. I love how she does it. I love she totally conquers him, metaphorically beats him into submission.

But it's actually the best thing for him. He needs it.

And of course the Grand Gesture at the end. Very well done. The epilogue was wonderful too.

Wholeheartedly 5 star read.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An older, somewhat rakish politician falls for an innocent young lady, a doctor's daughter fresh from the country. Catherine is a clever young woman who, although inexperienced in the ton, is a clear thinker with a mind that she's not afraid to use. And of course she falls right back for Domenic.

This was an enjoyable read with likeable main characters. Having read the other books in this series makes it a little more fun, as you're already familiar with the Grand Palace Hotel and its inhabitants. But it could be read as a standalone.

It has a fairly simple storyline, at times involving some unpleasant antics by various jealous members of the ton. Both MCs also have a nice back story. But the straightforward plot is enhanced by Long's lovely and heartfelt writing. This series seems to be getting better as it goes along, and I look forward to the next book in the series, hopefully later this year (2024). (The Beast Takes a Bride: The Palace of Rogues)

[Julie reads romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most impressive feats of romance novelists are when they write a gorgeous book in which not much happens. Julie Anne Long is an expert at keeping you captivated by character development. Long takes you on an archaeological dig, excavating layer after layer of rock, to uncover the characters’ beating core. The emotional journey here is sophisticated. There is such nuance in the characters’ self discovery. It’s not trite. Not too on the nose. Yes, the FMC is an innocent girl from the country, but Long makes her entirely unique and fully-realized. She has wit and wisdom and courage that transcends her identity as an innocent country bumpkin.

Dominic, the male main character, was a win for me. His trajectory from withholding yet charming man who lets no one really know him, to a man in love, crying at the teet of his beloved, is a gorgeous transformation to watch.

The spice is moderate. It’s not ALOT but it’s also def present and didn’t leave me really jonesing for a dopamine hit elsewhere. Open door. The angst is moderate. Regency England. Age gap (11 years?). Innocent but wise and witty girl from the country brings hardened Welsh legislator to his knees (in one scene, literally).

This book is part of Long’s Palace of Rogues series, which is basically a world that Long has built. You really do not have to have much familiarity with prior characters, but I DO think it would be hard to jump into this without having read at least one other book in the series. There is a lot of world building (another way historical romance is a lot like fantasy… put a pin in that thought) and I think you may be confused if you have no background to understand the Palace of Rogues.

Also, kudos to Long for a nice cover photo. I like it :)

[Kalyani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is special. I read a lot of historical romance and with a genre like this where tropes and plot lines can lean formulaic, it’s all about execution. And Julie Ann Long executes this love story flawlessly. I was utterly undone by the connection between Kirke and Keating. Helpless to resist the magnetic pull of a forbidden romance between a caustic politician (with dreams of justice) and the wide eyed country girl who sees right through him.

The male love interest with a tragic past who keeps the world at a distance is a trope as old as time but in Julie Ann Long’s hands the story is a breath of fresh air. Kirke and Keating come to know each other in a way that goes far beyond physical attraction or lust - they’re best friends (though they’re loathe to admit it for a long time) and their wit only finds a match in each other. For everyone’s sake it would be best they stay away from one another, but how do you resist the only person you want to see in a crowded room? Their passion is a shared secret - held close and mutually stifled until the flame demands to burn. It’s riveting, romantic, and so so hot.

Probably going to be one of my favorite romances this year and in my top hisroricals of all time

[OLT · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the whole book. Not too long ago. I cannot for the life of me remember it. So I went back and read the blurb. Oh, yeah, that's what it was about. So now I vaguely remember. Still don't much care. I keep reading these Palace of Rogues books so that's on me. Must be because every once in a while there's a good one and I have a soft spot in my heart for Julie Anne Long's romantical writing. But every time I read one in this series I keep wishing she would move the hell on to a new location.

[Dagmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

re-read Oct 2025:
Still an absolute GEM of a book...Swoon🩷

All the stars in the universe!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I'm speechless, enchanted, wrecked!!....Heart soaring, heart clenching utterly exquisite perfection. My new favorite (along with After Dark With the Duke) of this brilliant series and one of the best love stories I've ever read...without question.

[ToriLovesHea’s · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one and I mean no one can make me emotional like JAL. Reader, I cried like a baby reading this epilogue.

I had expectations going into this. A jaded, older peer and an innocent young woman from the country traversing her first (and only) season cross paths at The Grand Palace on the Thames and fall in love. There was humor. There was banter. There was appearances and checkins with all of our favorite Palace residents.

What I didn’t expect was the angst and literal knot in my stomach watching Catherine and Dominick dance around each other. The yearning between them, the run ins in secret alcoves and balconies and gardens, the desperate way they want to be each others. I was on tenterhooks. Not only is this a slow burn, it’s an Angsty slow burn. It’s watching two idiots in love break their own hearts and each others because they don’t know how to navigate big scary feelings. And it’s watching them put each other’s hearts back together by finally acknowledging their mistakes.

Dominick is jaded and a world weary and Catherine doesn’t crash into his life. She slips in until he wonders how he even went without her. Between secret meetings at balls, run ins at The Palace, and rendezvous that could prove dangerous for them both, Catherine slips under his defenses like water through a leak. And he doesn’t know how to get her out. Nor does he really want to.

For a man that holds the nation captive with his speeches in parliament, he’s completely baffled and tongue tied by a young woman he never expected. And Catherine refuses to let him hide away from his pain and hurt. It was beautiful. And I don’t know how JAL will top this one for me. But I’ve said that before and look at me now.

Absolutely no notes. Not a one. Perfection.

Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC. Julie, I’ll be sending you a bill for the tissues I went through.

[Mony · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐ A very good read.
The first half was delicious. Reminded me of the quality of her other book, What I Did For a Duke.
The second half was fine - just didn't have the same edge. Less about the slow burn seduction...more about problems and troubles.
Lord Kirke was fabulous - sexy, witty, intelligent, mysterious. He definitely made the story.
As usual, the story was well written by Julie Anne Long.

[Elizabeth McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 7 in The Palace of Rogues series, and these books just keep getting better and better! My Season of Scandal is quite possibly my new favorite of the series.

I'm not normally a huge fan of an age gap romance, but Dominic and Catherine are absolutely amazing together! Their relationship is filled with tons of chemistry, witty banter, and so much emotion.

The Grand Palace on the Thames, as usual, was a highlight of the story! The parlor antics, especially from Dot and Mr. Delacourt are hilariously funny and truly make you wish to be a part of their group.

I highly recommend reading this entire series. They are well worth the read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[BrandyD · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I am fatally in love with you.” 😍 Wowsers. ❤️
I adore this series and can’t wait for the next book! Julie Anne Long writes so beautifully and her characters are complex, with depth. Also, the folks at TGPOTT are just delightful. They feel like old friends.

[Mira Sol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew it wasn’t going to be as good as the last book, How to Tame a Wild Rogue, because how could it be? An author really only writes one like that, if they are lucky.

Shockingly (as someone who loves smut in her novels), I kept wishing that someone had taken these two characters away from Julie Anne Long and given them over to Mimi Matthews so that they could develop an actual relationship and not just dry hump.

The other thought I had when I got to chapter three and still hadn’t had any POV from the MMC was “I don’t think the author likes him very much.” And I say that because she started the last book from the POV of the MMC and she so obviously loved him. He made sense to her. I don’t think this MMC’s motivations or character traits are as clear to the author and so the romance suffers from a lack of clarity around it. They are both very much in lust with one another and despite the odd comment on the FMCs character (“Oh he really loved a thinker/fighter etc”), really he spends half (ETA: 75%) of the book just wanting to have sex with her and feeling badly about it.

I also kept wanting to say to Catherine, the FMC, “No, it only feeeeeels like you will never want another person because this is your first experience. You will want another person.”

Where were her female friends? I wanted Angelique and Delilah to pop up and give her someone to talk to. It felt like she ended up in relationship with this guy because she had no one to tell her that first lust is very intense and feels very much like love and that you can indeed feel many and more varied things after it ends. He thinks he is too debauched for her and I agree with him. (And I am shocked to say this since I normally go all in for a reformed rake done right, but this isn’t done right.) Not because he has had the most debauched experiences of any HR I’ve read but because he is one of those unfortunate MMCs whose bad character traits end up being worse than his actions.

But my main complaint about this novel is the dynamic between the older jaded MMC, and the younger naive FMC. There is a bit of hero worship and her naïveté works against her. She looks over his admittedly troubling past with women. Not that he isn’t allowed to have a past, but she has no experience with men, and his experience with women has all kinds of red flags.
What made the book before this so good, what made it new and powerful, was the elevating of an “innocent” woman’s life experience as just as important and interesting as that of a jaded rogue who had travelled the world. She had things to teach him. She was not just there to be a soft place for a cynical man to land. And perhaps the comparison to the previous book in the series isn’t fair. But I think that last book showed me how it’s possible to respect a person’s life experience even when it doesn’t fit with what society or an MC might value, but they can be taught to value it. And now I find it hard to settle for a girl just being taught how to have an orgasm. It’s lame.

Also at one point she just calls him Dominic and it bugged me. Does she just know his first name because he’s famous? It seemed out of place for her to start calling him that.

The epilogue is horrible. It reads like the end of an “inspired by true events” movie. Freeze on picture of MCs, text appears stating how many children they had and how happy they were!

Safe with exceptions. It’s safe as long as you don’t mind a very recent mistress of the MMC playing a very large role in the novel, even though we never meet her or hear her speak.

Virgin FMC.
MMC is suspected of having more affairs than he actually has but apparently he has only had harpies for mistresses because there is a horrific moment when a former mistress tries to wound the FMC with a horribly intimate detail of the MMC, and the mistress right before the story begins burns his house down. So there is TONS of OW drama. And very frank discussions between the MCs about his past affairs etc.

He also has an illegitimate son from when he was 17, and there is some tragic backstory but honestly I just disliked the MMC so much by the time the story is being told that I couldn’t bring myself to care.
No cheating between the MCs.
No scenes with OW on page.

[•§ · Rating 2 out of 5]

As someone who is vastly strict on finishing a book, I’m not ashamed to say I skimmed through the last 80 pages. This book was well-written (initially), but my god did it give me the ick. Am I supposed to be charmed? He gives her a dress meant for his old mistress, to tell her he loved her. He keeps messing up, and she’s supposed to heal him with her merciful attitude. Ick city. Even when a redemption plot is enforced, she just meets him halfway in effort. It’s like the hero doesn’t want to make any sacrifices. That type of relationship just smells fishy. I know some books in this genre get a lot of hate for major red flags, but sometimes basic plots just get the job done. No need to include redemption arcs and politics to overcompensate for a mediocre love story.

[guiltless pleasures · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I have more or less the same feelings about this book as I did about How to Tame a Wild Rogue (the previous book in this series) and Like No Other Lover: wonderful dialogue, beautiful writing, lots of emotion, a top-notch grand gesture, but I wanted more plot.

The middle of the book felt drawn out, fairly repetitive and very internal: We were treated to long internal monologues about their feelings etc.

There was a good amount of angst and some ball-related drama, which was nice, but I hope the next book has a lot more plot.

Also SPOILER BELOW










I absolutely loathed that he gave her his old mistress’s dress. That decision was absolutely never justified. Gross.

Anyway, this is probably 3.75 or so.

[Fae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh Julie. What has happened to your writing? There was too much describing, and not enough dialogue and action between the hero and heroine. By chapter 5, I was so bored that I started skimming.

The romance was too slow paced, nothing happened between them until halfway through the book. When something did happen, another few chapters passed where nothing happened, again.

I wasn’t seeing the chemistry and banter between the hero and heroine. Disappointing read because I enjoyed a few books from this series.

[Jultri · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5. Wow, I can't recall the last time I took this long to finish a book. One and a half months. And a JAL at that! This was boring and so sleep inducing that I could only read a few paragraphs before somnolence took over each night. The romance did not convince because while the MMC was kind of interesting, the FMC was so utterly bland and clearly his intellectual inferior as well as being ?thirteen years his junior. Worst one in the series.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first 3 books in this series were good to just ok (book 3) but every book since then has been a banger in terms of romance, attraction, sexual chemistry, and yearning. JAL really leveled up with her writing in these past four books and I have been delighted by every single one.

JAL writes a particular brand of histrom hero really well. Emotionally closed off, hardened by life and loss and grief, well-respected and revered and maybe even a bit feared. Lord Kirke, an elected member of Parliament is no different. (He's also welsh and I'm really fond of Welsh histrom heroes). His home burns down (the result of a wrathful mistress) and he finds himself in need of a place to stay.

Likewise, Catherine Keating, the only child of a widowed country doctor, is in London for her first and only season. The two find themselves at The Grand Palace on the Thames, living in rooms, one right on top of the other, and keep running into each other at various balls and so, an unlikely friendship blooms.

While Kirke is cynical and has no patience for foolishness and has vowed to never marry, Catherine is young and hopeful and idealistic. What begins as a way for Kirke to secretly look out for Catherine turns to a fiery attraction on both sides. And when Kirke does makes a monumentally bad move, which results in harm to Catherine's reputation, the steps he takes to rectify his mistake and restore her honor and then the way he publicly professes his love for her (clover!) is just so incredibly romantic and tender. The speech he makes in Parliament is one of the greatest romantic love declarations without ever mentioning a woman or overly mentioning romantic love. It's diabolically clever and yet unabashedly romantic because the person it's meant for understands it and that's really all that's needed.

The evolution of him calling her "Keating" initially and then eventually transitioning to "Catherine" is also just a brilliant way to move the relationship along and also character growth.

This was just so so good.

[b.andherbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should have written this review ages ago when i finished, but really what more can i say than this might be my new fav JAL? She really does these age gaps so well, and I would LOVE to have a tryst with an older Welsh Lord in a corner by a plant too girl! I def need to re-read, her prose is such poetry.

[Robin]

on pause for now!

[Lover of Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Impressions
My Season of Scandal is the seventh installment in the “Palace of Rogues” series and I still can’t believe how large this series has become. I hadd high hopes for this one because the previous book “How to Tame a Wild Rogue” was epic and everything I could have hoped for. I wasn’t sure how this installment would match with the previous book and I will say that even though it didn’t meet my full standards, this book was cozy and charming and the type of story to relax with on a cold night with. Although when this review comes out winter will be almost out, but as I read this book in November it was just perfection for the type of vibe that I was looking for. I think what was the struggle was the pacing. This story is super slow burn. Its probably one of the slowest slow burn’s I have seen from this author and so I definitely feel like you need to know this going into it. I really enjoyed the way that this story was implemented but the execution was slight off and read this NOT right before bed is my best advice.

Summary
Catherine Keating has a chance to find a husband and she comes to London for the season to hopefully find the husband that her father wants for her, as he wants her to find a love match like what he had with her mother. Catherine would do anything to never disappoint her father and so she comes to London to fulfill her father’s dreams for her. But when she resides in the “Palace of Rogues” she comes across the most delicious man that is almost forbidden to her….Lord Dominic Kirke. He is rumored to have mistresses and to be bold in the commons and fighting for children’s rights. Kirke is forced to find a place of refuge when his home is accidentally burnt down. He puts on armor as a matter of protection and keeping people at bay. He is more of a recluse, and doesn’t like people and only interacts out of necessity. He is intrigue and drawn to Catherine. They have a interaction that makes him come alive. But the issue now is that he has a past, a past that if trust isn’t carefully built will crumble around them.

What I Loved
So for the aspects that I really loved. The connection that Keating and Kirke have together were so intense at times. And the moments in which these two banter with each other was so endearing. Everytime these two would talk with each other, I was laughing all over the place. It just delivered all the happy feels that I was expecting for this couple. They seem like they would be too opposite from each other, but in the end they ended up just right for each other. I also was intrigued by their cute meet. It was so different but adorable in how it really added some complexity to their relationship. There were some poignant moments between this couple and I was really drawn into the quiet moments that this couple have together. Honestly, the best parts of the story were when they were “together” and I wish that we could have received a bit more of these moments. We do get some beautiful atmospheric vibes of the actual place they are staying with and I loved seeing our previous characters that we have fallen hard for within the series. All in all this was a solid win of a story that was charming and delectable.

What I Struggled With
So I want to cover the issues that I had with this story. There were a few with this one. This book could have been a bit more quicker paced. The writing is very similar to what she has been writing with the series but it was very slow. I feel like the slow burn was not quite written correctly because this book almost put me to sleep. I just had a hard time staying invested in the story when it took forever for any action to happen within the story. The chemistry between these two was so so slow and it took some time to adjust to it. And also the conflict in the story. *sigh* this one was a struggle for sure. I really had a hard time with the third act conflict. It just felt so unnecessary. Like it was placed in the story just for dramatic effect but not for a real purpose other than that and I wanted to shake the heroine. And quite frankly she should have done some groveling worthy of this hero for this one.

Overall View
MY Season of Scandal is a story that delivers a intimate slow burn that grows this relationship from friendship to lovers and in seeing a couple learning to fight for the relationship and how their dynamic flows to match up with expectations. A COZY SWEET ROMANCE!