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The Palace of Rogues #8
The Beast Takes a Bride
In USA Today bestselling author Julie Anne Long’s latest installment in the Palace of Rogues series, an estranged couple decide to fake their way through the London season to repair their good name… but neither are prepared for the genuine sparks that begin flying between them.
A blue-blooded beauty bartered to a Beast…
He would pay any price to possess her. But even though Alexandra Bellamy sacrifices herself to save her family’s fortunes, a shocking betrayal sunders her marriage to a taciturn brute of a war hero, Colonel Magnus Brightwall, before it even begins. Five years of icy separation later, a scandal—with Alexandra at the middle—reunites them, and Magnus issues an edict: they will confront the ton, rescue their reputations, then Magnus will banish her to another continent—forever.
But alone in a suite at the Grand Palace on the Thames, a new battle begins—between pride and the unexpected volcanic passion stirring between them. The danger is Magnus rediscovers why Alexandra is the only woman who could ever break him. And even as she lays bare the beautiful heart beating beneath the battered hide of the near-stranger she married, Alexandra knows she may have already lost him—even as she finally falls fatally, irrevocably in love.
A blue-blooded beauty bartered to a Beast…
He would pay any price to possess her. But even though Alexandra Bellamy sacrifices herself to save her family’s fortunes, a shocking betrayal sunders her marriage to a taciturn brute of a war hero, Colonel Magnus Brightwall, before it even begins. Five years of icy separation later, a scandal—with Alexandra at the middle—reunites them, and Magnus issues an edict: they will confront the ton, rescue their reputations, then Magnus will banish her to another continent—forever.
But alone in a suite at the Grand Palace on the Thames, a new battle begins—between pride and the unexpected volcanic passion stirring between them. The danger is Magnus rediscovers why Alexandra is the only woman who could ever break him. And even as she lays bare the beautiful heart beating beneath the battered hide of the near-stranger she married, Alexandra knows she may have already lost him—even as she finally falls fatally, irrevocably in love.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2024
190 people are currently reading
3026 people want to read
About the author
Julie Anne Long
38 books2,963 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 510 reviews
October 7, 2024
A heart-wrenching story of a marriage in trouble… or rather, one that was heartbreakingly over before it truly began. Or was it?
Magnus began life as an orphan, an infant in a potato sack left on the doorstep of a wealthy household. He was taken in and raised as a servant, doing slop work. Ridiculed, called ugly, a beast, he felt worthless. Had no idea what it felt like to be loved but yearned for love and belonging.
He was taught to shoot, read and write by the master of the household, and after winning a shooting competition at the age of 16, he promptly bought himself a commission with the prize money, joined the military, and worked tirelessly to became a revered, feared, respected colonel and ultimately a national hero for saving the life of a general on the battlefield. But he never, ever, lost the deep-seated need to be loved, wanted, and not just tolerated.
He met Alexandra, the intelligent, kind-hearted, charming and very beautiful daughter of Lord Bellamy, at a house party thrown by her father. It was love at first sight for Magnus, a desire and yearning so powerful he, being aware of the family’s financial issues, impetuously struck a deal to marry her in exchange for making her father solvent again. He basically gave her no choice, strategically maneuvering to get what he wanted.
One innocent, foolish, impulsive act by Alexandra on the evening after they married, witnessed by Magnus, destroyed him emotionally and he left the following day for a five year diplomatic stint in Spain, leaving his heartbroken wife, and his heart, behind.
The book opens upon his return to England, where he is unwavering in his intent to put plans into motion to banish Alexandra to his estate in America, hopefully closing the door forever on his heartbreak.
Sharing a suite at The Grand Palace on The Thames while his (her) home was being sold brought them in proximity. And their agreed upon mission to briefly play the happily married couple so he could be assured of receiving the courtesy title of Earl which was being considered by the king, saw them sharing meals, attending balls, going to late night donkey races with Mr Delacorte (hilarious), and slowly, truly getting to know one another for the first time.
Their physical relationship (the marriage had been unconsummated to this point) was raw and intense, imbued with yearning, connection, wonder, and the joy of discovery. This connection slowly laid waste to their pride, their past hurts, and simultaneously made them feel safer, and more vulnerable. Such beautifully written, complex emotions.
There were large parts of this book that crossed the line from very angsty to “damn, this is breaking my heart” territory. This wasn’t quite the reading experience I was looking for but no way can I deduct any stars because the author has proven, once again, that she is absolutely brilliant in her ability to Make. Me. Feel. I felt every angsty, heart-wrenching emotion both MCs felt, and more than reading a story, I felt I was experiencing the story. This was definitely not the comfort read I’ve come to expect from the series but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The further I got into the story, when it became crystal clear that although they very much belonged together, and would make such a fabulous team, of husband and wife, friends, lovers, but were both seemingly still set on the plan of parting permanently, I kept thinking oh, one of you pleaseeee swallow your stubborn pride and lay your heart on the line or you will live a lifetime filled with regret for turning your back on the best thing that will ever happen to you.
Finally, she laid her head back down on his chest. She listened to the precious, steady thump, thump, thump of his battered, stubborn, vulnerable, flawed, foolish heart.
Her own foolish heart beat in time with his now.
And damn if the letter he left for her near the end of the book didn’t make me cry. I can’t remember the last time that happened. I can’t remember ever reading a love letter such as his. And yes, I read it several times over, and cried every time.
What a treasure – a story that can do that to you.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Magnus began life as an orphan, an infant in a potato sack left on the doorstep of a wealthy household. He was taken in and raised as a servant, doing slop work. Ridiculed, called ugly, a beast, he felt worthless. Had no idea what it felt like to be loved but yearned for love and belonging.
He was taught to shoot, read and write by the master of the household, and after winning a shooting competition at the age of 16, he promptly bought himself a commission with the prize money, joined the military, and worked tirelessly to became a revered, feared, respected colonel and ultimately a national hero for saving the life of a general on the battlefield. But he never, ever, lost the deep-seated need to be loved, wanted, and not just tolerated.
He met Alexandra, the intelligent, kind-hearted, charming and very beautiful daughter of Lord Bellamy, at a house party thrown by her father. It was love at first sight for Magnus, a desire and yearning so powerful he, being aware of the family’s financial issues, impetuously struck a deal to marry her in exchange for making her father solvent again. He basically gave her no choice, strategically maneuvering to get what he wanted.
One innocent, foolish, impulsive act by Alexandra on the evening after they married, witnessed by Magnus, destroyed him emotionally and he left the following day for a five year diplomatic stint in Spain, leaving his heartbroken wife, and his heart, behind.
The book opens upon his return to England, where he is unwavering in his intent to put plans into motion to banish Alexandra to his estate in America, hopefully closing the door forever on his heartbreak.
Sharing a suite at The Grand Palace on The Thames while his (her) home was being sold brought them in proximity. And their agreed upon mission to briefly play the happily married couple so he could be assured of receiving the courtesy title of Earl which was being considered by the king, saw them sharing meals, attending balls, going to late night donkey races with Mr Delacorte (hilarious), and slowly, truly getting to know one another for the first time.
Their physical relationship (the marriage had been unconsummated to this point) was raw and intense, imbued with yearning, connection, wonder, and the joy of discovery. This connection slowly laid waste to their pride, their past hurts, and simultaneously made them feel safer, and more vulnerable. Such beautifully written, complex emotions.
There were large parts of this book that crossed the line from very angsty to “damn, this is breaking my heart” territory. This wasn’t quite the reading experience I was looking for but no way can I deduct any stars because the author has proven, once again, that she is absolutely brilliant in her ability to Make. Me. Feel. I felt every angsty, heart-wrenching emotion both MCs felt, and more than reading a story, I felt I was experiencing the story. This was definitely not the comfort read I’ve come to expect from the series but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The further I got into the story, when it became crystal clear that although they very much belonged together, and would make such a fabulous team, of husband and wife, friends, lovers, but were both seemingly still set on the plan of parting permanently, I kept thinking oh, one of you pleaseeee swallow your stubborn pride and lay your heart on the line or you will live a lifetime filled with regret for turning your back on the best thing that will ever happen to you.
Finally, she laid her head back down on his chest. She listened to the precious, steady thump, thump, thump of his battered, stubborn, vulnerable, flawed, foolish heart.
Her own foolish heart beat in time with his now.
And damn if the letter he left for her near the end of the book didn’t make me cry. I can’t remember the last time that happened. I can’t remember ever reading a love letter such as his. And yes, I read it several times over, and cried every time.
What a treasure – a story that can do that to you.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
November 16, 2024
I could have gone either way with this book the writing was 4* but the plot for me was a 2.5*. As I was reading, I mentioned that I complain if the story is too rushed and then I complain that nothing happens but background till 80% of the book is done. The first book was a 5* for me and nothing in this series has grabbed me since then. I liked the main couple, but the transgression was not worth the buildup. Plus, it did seem out of character for Alexandra. JAL wrote one of my favorite hr books What I Did for a Duke so she is hit or miss for me. This one many have loved. It was a miss for me.
October 16, 2024
The Vibes:
—Beauty and the Beast (most obvi)
—weapon-grade pining
—big stern man meets lowkey bratty woman (his wife)
—covert boning (like... everyone is covertly boning in this book)
Heat Index: 7/10
The Basics:
Alexandra Brightwall should be relieved when her husband, war hero Magnus, bails her out of prison. The problem? They haven't seen each other for five years. Not since the day after their wedding, actually. Stern and cool, Magnus knows their marriage was a huge mistake, so he has a proposal. He's on the verge of being created an earl; he just needs to present a good face until that happens. As long as Alexandra helps him put on the facade of a harmonious relationship, he's happy to give her a life of luxury... far from him. Needless to say, this is a lot easier said than done.
The Review:
Julie Anne Long is always funny; but the best kind of Julie Anne Long also punches you in the gut. This? Does just that. In fact, I think it's my third-favorite JAL, after What I Did for a Duke and After Dark with the Duke. It kind of gave me everything!
The thing I've struggled with when reading a lot of recent historical romances is that everyone is very... nice. Sedate, even. They don't act out, they're fundamentally good people who don't fuck up, and so on. This is not that kind of book. It's not that Magnus or Alexandra are so horrible. They're clearly good people with good hearts and good intentions.
They're just also... delightfully flawed. She's a bit bratty and flighty and tends to act on impulse. He's stern and struggles with forgiveness, and has a tendency to want to win at all costs. Neither of them are by any means monsters (though Magnus is referred to as a "beast" by the gossips, and in one of my favorite microtropes, IT KINDA HURTS BIG GROWLY MAN'S FEELINGS WHEN PEOPLE CALL HIM BEAST). But they have their issues, and they haven't dealt with them, and that's why their marriage combusts before it can really even start.
Also, they're both pretty bad at talking about their feelings, and make judgments about each other that aren't really fair. Here's the thing, though: All of this makes sense, because they were kind of strangers marrying. You get the most glorious pining thoughts from Magnus, and it's clear that he was besotted with Alexandra from the start... But he really didn't get to know her as a person. He didn't let her be a flawed person.
And it's a surprisingly complex thing, the way Long both lets us luxuriate in the swoony romanticism of Magnus's initial feelings for Alexandra (and my God, is it romantic... this is just an achingly romantic novel, in general) while never condemning Alexandra for her resistance. Because Magnus's feelings can be genuine, and he can be right about this inexorable chemistry between him and Alexandra; and he can also push Alexandra too far too soon and go about making their relationship a reality in a bad way. And then act affronted when she doesn't respond well to being pushed.
They're both messy people who nevertheless have, as Magnus, one of those guys with a Good Sense About Things (hence him being good at war) amazing chemistry. The kind of tension that just has to be fulfilled. It's delicious, and it's part of what makes this one of the hottest books I've read by Long. I mean. Holy shit.
It's also just like... so sweet? I felt as if I really got to know both Magnus and Alexandra, despite the narrative being brisk and also, like every book in this series, offering time to supporting characters. Few people can pull this off. Long is one of the best romance writers I can think of in terms of noticing the small details that have a big impact. The little notes about Magnus's past that tell you so much about why he is the way he is. The beats for Alexandra that remind you of a depth he doesn't necessarily want to see in her, five years after she broke his heart.
(And: I LOVE what drove them apart initially. Handled with such humanity! A thing I think a lot of authors wouldn't have done!)
Also—for Jane Austen fans. Imagine Colonel Brandon local pushing the marriage with Marianne, and then having it blow up in his face. With public sex. This is the look!
Of course, I have to note those supporting characters. I always love catching up with the regulars. When will Dot and Mr. Pike figure it out? How loud is Dot going to be when they finally do it? A small subplot in the book is basically a lot of supporting characters being pushed into horniness because of the awkward situations that arise when a honeymooning couple rooms at the Palace. It is glorious. It leads to some super funny yet sexy moments between our two mainstay couples, Delilah and Tristan (Lady Derring Takes a Lover) and Angelique and Lucien (Angel in a Devil's Arms). The way these books keep giving me Lustful Married Couples is. Everything!
The Sex:
Again... this is one of the horniest JAL books I've read! You do genuinely get more sex on the page than a few of the previous installments in this series (four scenes between our main couple, including one particularly exciting moment), plus a lot of hardcore flirting/implied sex between two other couples... and then the "it's funny, but now everyone is talking about loud sex and it's getting hot in the room" loud newlyweds.
I really loved how Alexandra and Magnus had sex, though. The impetuousness of it all. The way he just SNAPPED around her. And honestly? When he's right, he's right. He knew they'd be great in bed together, and, like... yes. I also super appreciated how he used Alexandra's Lust for His Body against her. So great.
Basically: It's funny! It's emotionally devastating at points! It's sexy! This is what we want from Julie Anne Long, and it's a damn good marriage in trouble/second chance book. So excited for everyone else to read this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
—Beauty and the Beast (most obvi)
—weapon-grade pining
—big stern man meets lowkey bratty woman (his wife)
—covert boning (like... everyone is covertly boning in this book)
Heat Index: 7/10
The Basics:
Alexandra Brightwall should be relieved when her husband, war hero Magnus, bails her out of prison. The problem? They haven't seen each other for five years. Not since the day after their wedding, actually. Stern and cool, Magnus knows their marriage was a huge mistake, so he has a proposal. He's on the verge of being created an earl; he just needs to present a good face until that happens. As long as Alexandra helps him put on the facade of a harmonious relationship, he's happy to give her a life of luxury... far from him. Needless to say, this is a lot easier said than done.
The Review:
Julie Anne Long is always funny; but the best kind of Julie Anne Long also punches you in the gut. This? Does just that. In fact, I think it's my third-favorite JAL, after What I Did for a Duke and After Dark with the Duke. It kind of gave me everything!
The thing I've struggled with when reading a lot of recent historical romances is that everyone is very... nice. Sedate, even. They don't act out, they're fundamentally good people who don't fuck up, and so on. This is not that kind of book. It's not that Magnus or Alexandra are so horrible. They're clearly good people with good hearts and good intentions.
They're just also... delightfully flawed. She's a bit bratty and flighty and tends to act on impulse. He's stern and struggles with forgiveness, and has a tendency to want to win at all costs. Neither of them are by any means monsters (though Magnus is referred to as a "beast" by the gossips, and in one of my favorite microtropes, IT KINDA HURTS BIG GROWLY MAN'S FEELINGS WHEN PEOPLE CALL HIM BEAST). But they have their issues, and they haven't dealt with them, and that's why their marriage combusts before it can really even start.
Also, they're both pretty bad at talking about their feelings, and make judgments about each other that aren't really fair. Here's the thing, though: All of this makes sense, because they were kind of strangers marrying. You get the most glorious pining thoughts from Magnus, and it's clear that he was besotted with Alexandra from the start... But he really didn't get to know her as a person. He didn't let her be a flawed person.
And it's a surprisingly complex thing, the way Long both lets us luxuriate in the swoony romanticism of Magnus's initial feelings for Alexandra (and my God, is it romantic... this is just an achingly romantic novel, in general) while never condemning Alexandra for her resistance. Because Magnus's feelings can be genuine, and he can be right about this inexorable chemistry between him and Alexandra; and he can also push Alexandra too far too soon and go about making their relationship a reality in a bad way. And then act affronted when she doesn't respond well to being pushed.
They're both messy people who nevertheless have, as Magnus, one of those guys with a Good Sense About Things (hence him being good at war) amazing chemistry. The kind of tension that just has to be fulfilled. It's delicious, and it's part of what makes this one of the hottest books I've read by Long. I mean. Holy shit.
It's also just like... so sweet? I felt as if I really got to know both Magnus and Alexandra, despite the narrative being brisk and also, like every book in this series, offering time to supporting characters. Few people can pull this off. Long is one of the best romance writers I can think of in terms of noticing the small details that have a big impact. The little notes about Magnus's past that tell you so much about why he is the way he is. The beats for Alexandra that remind you of a depth he doesn't necessarily want to see in her, five years after she broke his heart.
(And: I LOVE what drove them apart initially. Handled with such humanity! A thing I think a lot of authors wouldn't have done!)
Also—for Jane Austen fans. Imagine Colonel Brandon local pushing the marriage with Marianne, and then having it blow up in his face. With public sex. This is the look!
Of course, I have to note those supporting characters. I always love catching up with the regulars. When will Dot and Mr. Pike figure it out? How loud is Dot going to be when they finally do it? A small subplot in the book is basically a lot of supporting characters being pushed into horniness because of the awkward situations that arise when a honeymooning couple rooms at the Palace. It is glorious. It leads to some super funny yet sexy moments between our two mainstay couples, Delilah and Tristan (Lady Derring Takes a Lover) and Angelique and Lucien (Angel in a Devil's Arms). The way these books keep giving me Lustful Married Couples is. Everything!
The Sex:
Again... this is one of the horniest JAL books I've read! You do genuinely get more sex on the page than a few of the previous installments in this series (four scenes between our main couple, including one particularly exciting moment), plus a lot of hardcore flirting/implied sex between two other couples... and then the "it's funny, but now everyone is talking about loud sex and it's getting hot in the room" loud newlyweds.
I really loved how Alexandra and Magnus had sex, though. The impetuousness of it all. The way he just SNAPPED around her. And honestly? When he's right, he's right. He knew they'd be great in bed together, and, like... yes. I also super appreciated how he used Alexandra's Lust for His Body against her. So great.
Basically: It's funny! It's emotionally devastating at points! It's sexy! This is what we want from Julie Anne Long, and it's a damn good marriage in trouble/second chance book. So excited for everyone else to read this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 22, 2024
I am in love with everything Julie Anne Long writes, and I ADORED this even more than the last one!
This series is so fun, charming, and filled with such swoony romances and lovable characters.
Alexandra and Colonel Magnus have been married, but unhappily, after what Magnus witnessed on their wedding night, for five years. And suddenly, with an impromptu, stay in Newgate, Alexandra, has forced scandal upon a man who will not tolerate it to touch his name. He is cold, ruthless, and powerful, but his soft spot has always been his wife, even if she broke his heart.
Alexandra, for her part, longs to have a closeness with her husband, but her pride prevents her from putting herself out there and offering her heart to him.
Can the magic of the Grand Palace cause these two to reconcile and finally have the love they both dream of from each other?
One of the more angsty romances from this author but just as romantic and compelling as all the rest. The stakes are so high for this couple, and I was rooting for them to JUST KISS ALREADY so hard.
I loved it. Can't recommend this series enough!
I received an ARC for review.
This series is so fun, charming, and filled with such swoony romances and lovable characters.
Alexandra and Colonel Magnus have been married, but unhappily, after what Magnus witnessed on their wedding night, for five years. And suddenly, with an impromptu, stay in Newgate, Alexandra, has forced scandal upon a man who will not tolerate it to touch his name. He is cold, ruthless, and powerful, but his soft spot has always been his wife, even if she broke his heart.
Alexandra, for her part, longs to have a closeness with her husband, but her pride prevents her from putting herself out there and offering her heart to him.
Can the magic of the Grand Palace cause these two to reconcile and finally have the love they both dream of from each other?
One of the more angsty romances from this author but just as romantic and compelling as all the rest. The stakes are so high for this couple, and I was rooting for them to JUST KISS ALREADY so hard.
I loved it. Can't recommend this series enough!
I received an ARC for review.
January 4, 2026
Read: 1/4/26
Setting: 1820s England
Trope: second chances, fairytale
4.5 stars
This was a beautiful love story! JAL's writing gets better and better.
Rtc
Setting: 1820s England
Trope: second chances, fairytale
4.5 stars
This was a beautiful love story! JAL's writing gets better and better.
Rtc
August 27, 2025
I want to thank emtee and Irina whose wonderful reviews of this book inspired me to read it. To gain a better understanding of the story, I highly recommend reading their reviews first. Mine won't be nearly as eloquent.
Once again, my first book by a 'new to me' author is the one at the end of a multi-novel sequence. It's the 8th book in the "The Palace of Rogues" series. The good news is that the side characters in this novel piqued my interest enough to want to read their stories. I have to add though, that this book is still highly enjoyable as a stand alone.
The MMC is Colonel Magnus Brightwall. The reader learns that as a baby, Magnus was found outside a wealthy gentleman's estate. One of the maids found him. Fortunately for him, he was not discarded. That didn't mean his life was easy. He slept in the scullery and performed the worst jobs in and outside the household. The other servants made fun of him as he grew because they thought he was beastly looking. He learned to shoot and became an excellent marksman. Magnus in a nutshell, is a survivor. A man who approached and planned his life like a chess game. Constantly assessing his surroundings. Always strategizing.
The FMC is Alexandra Bellamy (Brightwall.) After Alexandra's mother dies, she becomes the hostess for her father's parties, caretaker, and ultimately, the mediator between her family members. She finds that her time is mostly spent helping others and not feeling she has any time to call her own. Or to make her own choices. Many of the dilemmas arise due to their dwindling wealth. Lord Bellamy is not good with his finances.
After serving many illustrious and successful years in the military, Magnus returns to England a modest (and humble) war hero. Before he departs to serve a diplomatic position in Spain, he attends a house party thrown by Lord Bellamy. When he first meets Alexandra, it's love at first sight. He notices how she can speak to anyone and make them feel welcome.
When he laid eyes on her, he understood after sixteen years in the army, his soul was at last sore and weary from bearing the weight of grief and death and responsibility and the mantle of triumph and a nation's gratitude. In her presence, he'd felt that weight lift and shift long enough to imagine what his future could be like.
... And nothing had ever felt so right to his soul as her.
He knew nothing about love. But he knew how to cherish.
Knowing how much debt Lord Bellamy was in, Magnus works out a deal with him and he marries Alexandra before his assignment in Spain begins. But... something happens on the night of their wedding. The author does an excellent job of holding the reader captive until choosing the right time to disclose what occurred on that night. Five years later.
It's one of the best historical romances I've read. Everything Ms. Long writes about Magnus and Alexandra swept the gamut of emotions with me. Magnus was tender, respectful, honorable, and very protective of Alexandra. But his pride and history of never feeling loved because he was given away as a baby, wouldn't allow him to forgive her.
Alexandra, who also found Magnus to be an amazing person who she respected, felt she didn't deserve his forgiveness. Her reasons for what happened that night were plausible to this reader. What I loved about Alexandra's character was that she remained totally honest with Magnus in addition to being loyal and defending him at every turn.
Have to admit, Magnus has earned a spot among some of my favorite romantic male book characters. He ranks up there with West Ravenel, Sebastian Challon, Cal Sutton and Zane Wade. (The list is always changing as there are more books out there to be read.)
Lastly, the man on the book cover doesn't in any way shape or form resemble a beast to this reader. Don't think there are any women who would kick his backside out of bed for eating crackers. 😍
Once again, my first book by a 'new to me' author is the one at the end of a multi-novel sequence. It's the 8th book in the "The Palace of Rogues" series. The good news is that the side characters in this novel piqued my interest enough to want to read their stories. I have to add though, that this book is still highly enjoyable as a stand alone.
The MMC is Colonel Magnus Brightwall. The reader learns that as a baby, Magnus was found outside a wealthy gentleman's estate. One of the maids found him. Fortunately for him, he was not discarded. That didn't mean his life was easy. He slept in the scullery and performed the worst jobs in and outside the household. The other servants made fun of him as he grew because they thought he was beastly looking. He learned to shoot and became an excellent marksman. Magnus in a nutshell, is a survivor. A man who approached and planned his life like a chess game. Constantly assessing his surroundings. Always strategizing.
The FMC is Alexandra Bellamy (Brightwall.) After Alexandra's mother dies, she becomes the hostess for her father's parties, caretaker, and ultimately, the mediator between her family members. She finds that her time is mostly spent helping others and not feeling she has any time to call her own. Or to make her own choices. Many of the dilemmas arise due to their dwindling wealth. Lord Bellamy is not good with his finances.
After serving many illustrious and successful years in the military, Magnus returns to England a modest (and humble) war hero. Before he departs to serve a diplomatic position in Spain, he attends a house party thrown by Lord Bellamy. When he first meets Alexandra, it's love at first sight. He notices how she can speak to anyone and make them feel welcome.
When he laid eyes on her, he understood after sixteen years in the army, his soul was at last sore and weary from bearing the weight of grief and death and responsibility and the mantle of triumph and a nation's gratitude. In her presence, he'd felt that weight lift and shift long enough to imagine what his future could be like.
... And nothing had ever felt so right to his soul as her.
He knew nothing about love. But he knew how to cherish.
Knowing how much debt Lord Bellamy was in, Magnus works out a deal with him and he marries Alexandra before his assignment in Spain begins. But... something happens on the night of their wedding. The author does an excellent job of holding the reader captive until choosing the right time to disclose what occurred on that night. Five years later.
It's one of the best historical romances I've read. Everything Ms. Long writes about Magnus and Alexandra swept the gamut of emotions with me. Magnus was tender, respectful, honorable, and very protective of Alexandra. But his pride and history of never feeling loved because he was given away as a baby, wouldn't allow him to forgive her.
Alexandra, who also found Magnus to be an amazing person who she respected, felt she didn't deserve his forgiveness. Her reasons for what happened that night were plausible to this reader. What I loved about Alexandra's character was that she remained totally honest with Magnus in addition to being loyal and defending him at every turn.
Have to admit, Magnus has earned a spot among some of my favorite romantic male book characters. He ranks up there with West Ravenel, Sebastian Challon, Cal Sutton and Zane Wade. (The list is always changing as there are more books out there to be read.)
Lastly, the man on the book cover doesn't in any way shape or form resemble a beast to this reader. Don't think there are any women who would kick his backside out of bed for eating crackers. 😍
November 24, 2024
There’s a lot to unpack, so keeping this simple.
What I Liked
😍 JAL’s writing. What she can do with words is sheer magic:
Battlement cheekbones Ooh la la! That’s all it took for me to fall in love with Magnus.
He wanted to curl an arm around her, draw her gently into his chest, fold himself around her to protect her for the rest of his born days. He wanted to give her things: Money. Jewelry. Flowers. His name. Babies. He wanted to know what made her eyes dance. He wanted to be the reason her eyes danced.Say no more, Magnus. What can I do in return? Rob a bank?
She hadn’t known a kiss could do this: inebriate like whiskey, render useless the bones in her knees. Obliterate her will. You’re one lucky woman, Alexandra, I’m willing to share. 😢
😍 The MCs. Magnus…obvs. Alexandra—she’s poised, insightful, and knew how to handle people. A diplomat in her own right. I want to be her when I grow up.
😍 Secondary characters occupying The Grand Palace on the Thames. As always, Dot and Mr. Delacorte remain perennial favorites. A special “Shout Out,” goes to newlyweds Corporal Dawson and his bride.
😍 The subtle unfolding of Magnus’s true character as understood by Alexandra. Sublime angst.
😍 A satisfying resolution to the Brightwall’s relationship that went full circle.
What Didn’t Work
🙈 I will never understand why anyone of means wanted to lodge at the GPotT. It was located on the London docks. May I introduce into evidence, Exhibit A:
And if she looked off to the left, she could see a man urinating on the adjacent building. Such was the life at the docks.
🙈 The dearth of proper names in favor of pronouns was mind numbing and at times hard to track. Exhibit B:
Because if he touched her the way he’d always wanted to touch her, she would understand at once that she undid him utterly. And his pride still rebelled at the idea of her…
🙈 A flashback at the beginning that was overly long. Might work for many, but I’m an, “Are we there yet?” girlie.
Bottom Line
What made this memorable—the slow reveal showing who Magnus really was.
What I Liked
😍 JAL’s writing. What she can do with words is sheer magic:
Battlement cheekbones Ooh la la! That’s all it took for me to fall in love with Magnus.
He wanted to curl an arm around her, draw her gently into his chest, fold himself around her to protect her for the rest of his born days. He wanted to give her things: Money. Jewelry. Flowers. His name. Babies. He wanted to know what made her eyes dance. He wanted to be the reason her eyes danced.Say no more, Magnus. What can I do in return? Rob a bank?
She hadn’t known a kiss could do this: inebriate like whiskey, render useless the bones in her knees. Obliterate her will. You’re one lucky woman, Alexandra, I’m willing to share. 😢
😍 The MCs. Magnus…obvs. Alexandra—she’s poised, insightful, and knew how to handle people. A diplomat in her own right. I want to be her when I grow up.
😍 Secondary characters occupying The Grand Palace on the Thames. As always, Dot and Mr. Delacorte remain perennial favorites. A special “Shout Out,” goes to newlyweds Corporal Dawson and his bride.
😍 The subtle unfolding of Magnus’s true character as understood by Alexandra. Sublime angst.
😍 A satisfying resolution to the Brightwall’s relationship that went full circle.
What Didn’t Work
🙈 I will never understand why anyone of means wanted to lodge at the GPotT. It was located on the London docks. May I introduce into evidence, Exhibit A:
And if she looked off to the left, she could see a man urinating on the adjacent building. Such was the life at the docks.
🙈 The dearth of proper names in favor of pronouns was mind numbing and at times hard to track. Exhibit B:
Because if he touched her the way he’d always wanted to touch her, she would understand at once that she undid him utterly. And his pride still rebelled at the idea of her…
🙈 A flashback at the beginning that was overly long. Might work for many, but I’m an, “Are we there yet?” girlie.
Bottom Line
What made this memorable—the slow reveal showing who Magnus really was.
December 5, 2025
In the dark, they could be anyone: any man, any woman, any two creatures who’d stumbled across each other and had gotten it into their heads to fornicate, rather than two people who had inadvertently ruined each other’s lives. It needn’t have significance. It needn’t mean surrender. It didn’t change a thing.
But she might have noticed that his fingertips trembled as they slowly glided over her skin, mapping out the magical terrain of her, showing her the secret places where pleasure hid.
I haven’t read a book by Julie Anne Long in a while, but this blurb caught my attention right away. I generally love second-chance romances, particularly when a failed marriage is saved after years of separation, as is the case here. And there are more of my favorite tropes: slow burn, beauty and the beast, grumpy x sunshine, broken/scarred hero, and forced proximity. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean much, because … how often have we all experienced major disappointments despite the best premises?
Not here. This book actually exceeded my expectations. And by far. Strangely enough, it still doesn’t inspire me to write a review. I have no clue why that is, I think I’m just too touched and overwhelmed.
In my opinion, Julie Anne Long tells this story perfectly. She develops the rapprochement between viscountess Alexandra and war hero Magnus slowly, quietly and intensely, while gradually revealing the events of the past, the feelings and motives of the two. Both main characters are great with all their strengths and weaknesses, and the supporting characters and their antics lighten the narrative. There are a few incredibly haunting, heartbreakingly beautiful sex scenes, highly erotic without being porn-esque. There’s also one of the best epilogues I’ve ever read (and I’m not a big fan of epilogues).
I was briefly unhappy with Magnus’ actions at the end, but they totally make sense in view of the conversation between the two of them the night before. Also, otherwise he wouldn’t have been able to leave behind his wonderful letter, which is a real tearjerker. Just thinking about it makes me cry again.
There were a few scenes without Alexandra and Magnus, taking place in The Grand Palace on the Thames, the boarding house where the couple is temporarily staying. I thought it was a bit irritating and unnecessary, but the boarding house is a significant part of the series, obviously, and it’s owned by the heroines from books 1 and 2. So you’ll probably have more fun with Delilah and Angelique if you’ve read the previous books.
Overall it was one of my best reads of the year. I’m still highly emotional, and I’m pretty sure I’ll re-read the best parts of this gem (244 highlights!) soon.
But she might have noticed that his fingertips trembled as they slowly glided over her skin, mapping out the magical terrain of her, showing her the secret places where pleasure hid.
I haven’t read a book by Julie Anne Long in a while, but this blurb caught my attention right away. I generally love second-chance romances, particularly when a failed marriage is saved after years of separation, as is the case here. And there are more of my favorite tropes: slow burn, beauty and the beast, grumpy x sunshine, broken/scarred hero, and forced proximity. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean much, because … how often have we all experienced major disappointments despite the best premises?
Not here. This book actually exceeded my expectations. And by far. Strangely enough, it still doesn’t inspire me to write a review. I have no clue why that is, I think I’m just too touched and overwhelmed.
In my opinion, Julie Anne Long tells this story perfectly. She develops the rapprochement between viscountess Alexandra and war hero Magnus slowly, quietly and intensely, while gradually revealing the events of the past, the feelings and motives of the two. Both main characters are great with all their strengths and weaknesses, and the supporting characters and their antics lighten the narrative. There are a few incredibly haunting, heartbreakingly beautiful sex scenes, highly erotic without being porn-esque. There’s also one of the best epilogues I’ve ever read (and I’m not a big fan of epilogues).
I was briefly unhappy with Magnus’ actions at the end, but they totally make sense in view of the conversation between the two of them the night before. Also, otherwise he wouldn’t have been able to leave behind his wonderful letter, which is a real tearjerker. Just thinking about it makes me cry again.
There were a few scenes without Alexandra and Magnus, taking place in The Grand Palace on the Thames, the boarding house where the couple is temporarily staying. I thought it was a bit irritating and unnecessary, but the boarding house is a significant part of the series, obviously, and it’s owned by the heroines from books 1 and 2. So you’ll probably have more fun with Delilah and Angelique if you’ve read the previous books.
Overall it was one of my best reads of the year. I’m still highly emotional, and I’m pretty sure I’ll re-read the best parts of this gem (244 highlights!) soon.
April 19, 2025
At last! My long-awaited Netgalley ARC has arrived!!!
This was Julie Anne Long at her best! She has always been one of my favorite --if not THE fave--historical romance author, but when she ventured into contemporary romance and then back to the Palace of Rogues after a long time away from HR, I was not initially impressed. Especially with Book 1 of this series.
But I stuck it out and kept reading despite being put off for many years actually. And in this series, especially some of the more recent books, JAL has come back to greatness with a vengeance!
Now, first some disclaimers about how generous I'm being with the rating:
1. Definitely need to get a really good editor. I know this is an ARC but still. Grammar aside, some very abrupt scene transitions almost annoyed me to the point of deducting stars. So DEFINITELY proof and edit this book!
2. Along the topic of scenes - I do love snippets about the Palace of Rogues and all these wonderful characters we love so well. Esp. Dot, Mr. Pike and Delacorte. They provide humor and a way to see our MCs interacting with others we all like. BUT. I felt like many times the transition from one scene to another was jarring. And I really wanted to know more about the MCs but suddenly there's a filler scene. And I'm DISAPPOINTED! I want to read about Magnus and Alex! So please consider, JAL, if you by any chance read this, to work on those transitions.
3. And along those lines - I felt like there wasn't ENOUGH of the MCs. I felt like their sexual tension could have been built even more seamlessly throughout the book. For example, she's a VIRGIN! He has a "monstrously huge cock"! The first time they came together should have made some comment of this! Instead she seemed to feel nothing but pleasure (come ON!), and seemed to be blase about having sex for the first time. It just didn't seem right unless she'd been exploring her own sexuality and what gives her pleasure in the 5 years they'd been apart, and by that I mean by herself with her own hands.
4. Furthermore, I would have liked it EXPLICITLY spelled out that he'd remained celibate and faithful to her in this marriage. She'd assumed he wasn't because "he's a man." But the whole reason they're in this estrangement is because she KISSED another man on the night of their wedding. So it would be HUGELY hypocritical if he SLEPT with another woman while away from her in self-imposed estrangement. I WANTED IT SPELLED OUT!! SO THERE IS NO MISTAKE!!! The fact that the reader has to make an ASSUMPTION on his faithfulness pisses me off. It pissed me off every time he acted like something was his due. And the fact he never confirmed his own devotion in the marriage made me mad.
SO PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE JAL, WRITE A FEW LINES WHERE HE MAKES IT VERY CLEAR THAT HE DID NOT BREAK HIS MARRIAGE VOWS!
I put this on the celibate shelf. I hope I'm not wrong. If I am, I would be giving this 1 star most likely. Because I can understand a broken heart and wounded pride, but I can't stand hypocrisy.
Now, why after all that ranting am I still giving this book 5 stars? Maybe 4.5 rounded up (IF all of the above is properly addressed in the final version?) Because this plucked at my heartstrings almost from the very start. The moment Magnus appeared on page I was in lust. And very soon thereafter, aching for me, in love love love.
He is SUCH a MAN! Such a powerful, arresting, flawed yet magnificent man. The very best sort.
And I developed great admiration for the heroine too. Because she stands up to him. She owns up to her mistakes and has perhaps too fair view of the world. I think he went overboard with his reaction. He punished both of them too long and too unnecessarily. I think if she was less fair and poised, she might have done what normal women would have -- rail and scream at him in a fit of fury for going off the deep end over a KISS! To a man she will never see again. After she's promised she will be a good wife to Magnus. I would have been like - OK, enough! she's apologized MANY times. Get over it!
But I suppose that's why he loves her and not someone else. Because it's that fairness and poise (and also temper and charm) that felled him in the first place.
Like a great towering oak.
I have a lot of thoughts on how to make this a true 5 star for me, as you see. But I will leave the rating for now because I wanted my heartstrings plucked and they were thoroughly plucked.
This was Julie Anne Long at her best! She has always been one of my favorite --if not THE fave--historical romance author, but when she ventured into contemporary romance and then back to the Palace of Rogues after a long time away from HR, I was not initially impressed. Especially with Book 1 of this series.
But I stuck it out and kept reading despite being put off for many years actually. And in this series, especially some of the more recent books, JAL has come back to greatness with a vengeance!
Now, first some disclaimers about how generous I'm being with the rating:
1. Definitely need to get a really good editor. I know this is an ARC but still. Grammar aside, some very abrupt scene transitions almost annoyed me to the point of deducting stars. So DEFINITELY proof and edit this book!
2. Along the topic of scenes - I do love snippets about the Palace of Rogues and all these wonderful characters we love so well. Esp. Dot, Mr. Pike and Delacorte. They provide humor and a way to see our MCs interacting with others we all like. BUT. I felt like many times the transition from one scene to another was jarring. And I really wanted to know more about the MCs but suddenly there's a filler scene. And I'm DISAPPOINTED! I want to read about Magnus and Alex! So please consider, JAL, if you by any chance read this, to work on those transitions.
3. And along those lines - I felt like there wasn't ENOUGH of the MCs. I felt like their sexual tension could have been built even more seamlessly throughout the book. For example, she's a VIRGIN! He has a "monstrously huge cock"! The first time they came together should have made some comment of this! Instead she seemed to feel nothing but pleasure (come ON!), and seemed to be blase about having sex for the first time. It just didn't seem right unless she'd been exploring her own sexuality and what gives her pleasure in the 5 years they'd been apart, and by that I mean by herself with her own hands.
4. Furthermore, I would have liked it EXPLICITLY spelled out that he'd remained celibate and faithful to her in this marriage. She'd assumed he wasn't because "he's a man." But the whole reason they're in this estrangement is because she KISSED another man on the night of their wedding. So it would be HUGELY hypocritical if he SLEPT with another woman while away from her in self-imposed estrangement. I WANTED IT SPELLED OUT!! SO THERE IS NO MISTAKE!!! The fact that the reader has to make an ASSUMPTION on his faithfulness pisses me off. It pissed me off every time he acted like something was his due. And the fact he never confirmed his own devotion in the marriage made me mad.
SO PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE JAL, WRITE A FEW LINES WHERE HE MAKES IT VERY CLEAR THAT HE DID NOT BREAK HIS MARRIAGE VOWS!
I put this on the celibate shelf. I hope I'm not wrong. If I am, I would be giving this 1 star most likely. Because I can understand a broken heart and wounded pride, but I can't stand hypocrisy.
Now, why after all that ranting am I still giving this book 5 stars? Maybe 4.5 rounded up (IF all of the above is properly addressed in the final version?) Because this plucked at my heartstrings almost from the very start. The moment Magnus appeared on page I was in lust. And very soon thereafter, aching for me, in love love love.
He is SUCH a MAN! Such a powerful, arresting, flawed yet magnificent man. The very best sort.
And I developed great admiration for the heroine too. Because she stands up to him. She owns up to her mistakes and has perhaps too fair view of the world. I think he went overboard with his reaction. He punished both of them too long and too unnecessarily. I think if she was less fair and poised, she might have done what normal women would have -- rail and scream at him in a fit of fury for going off the deep end over a KISS! To a man she will never see again. After she's promised she will be a good wife to Magnus. I would have been like - OK, enough! she's apologized MANY times. Get over it!
But I suppose that's why he loves her and not someone else. Because it's that fairness and poise (and also temper and charm) that felled him in the first place.
Like a great towering oak.
I have a lot of thoughts on how to make this a true 5 star for me, as you see. But I will leave the rating for now because I wanted my heartstrings plucked and they were thoroughly plucked.
October 28, 2024
3.75 stars
There were some great moments in The Beast Takes a Bride, the latest in Julie Anne Long’s Palace of Rogues series. As always, JAL is hilarious and writes chemistry like no one else.
But take away the witty banter among the denizens of the Grand Palace on the Thames, and the actual romance feels insubstantial.
This is a “marriage in trouble” book to a severe degree: Alexandra and Col. Brightwall are married, but they have been estranged for five years after an initially undisclosed incident. They’re thrust back together after Alexandra is involved in an incident that threatens to taint Magnus’ rigidly impeccable reputation as a war hero.
Taken on its own, this is a lovely book, if light on actual plot. (I don’t recommend reading it till you’ve read the others, though, because there are a lot of inside jokes involving previous couples in the series and the other guests at the GPotT.)
As part of the broader series, though, it feels a little bit like more of the same. I also wasn’t enamored of Magnus’ behavior toward the lovely Alexandra, which I felt was extreme. I know she broke her vows, but Magnus BOUGHT her and they barely knew each other. Abandoning her for 5 years and then selling her home and threatening to exile her to America seems OTT even when we know his backstory.
The whole book just felt so similar to the last couple in the series — Magnus was like a combination of Lorcan St. Leger (beastly) and Captain Hardy (stern, battle hardened). Even though I love this world (Dot! Delacorte!) and laughed a LOT, the physical setting can feel a little limiting and claustrophobic when it comes to the actual love story. I think it’s time for JAL to wrap up this series and start a new one with more plot and/or angst. Maybe even return to Hellcat Canyon!
Thanks to Avon for the advance copy.
There were some great moments in The Beast Takes a Bride, the latest in Julie Anne Long’s Palace of Rogues series. As always, JAL is hilarious and writes chemistry like no one else.
But take away the witty banter among the denizens of the Grand Palace on the Thames, and the actual romance feels insubstantial.
This is a “marriage in trouble” book to a severe degree: Alexandra and Col. Brightwall are married, but they have been estranged for five years after an initially undisclosed incident. They’re thrust back together after Alexandra is involved in an incident that threatens to taint Magnus’ rigidly impeccable reputation as a war hero.
Taken on its own, this is a lovely book, if light on actual plot. (I don’t recommend reading it till you’ve read the others, though, because there are a lot of inside jokes involving previous couples in the series and the other guests at the GPotT.)
As part of the broader series, though, it feels a little bit like more of the same. I also wasn’t enamored of Magnus’ behavior toward the lovely Alexandra, which I felt was extreme. I know she broke her vows, but Magnus BOUGHT her and they barely knew each other. Abandoning her for 5 years and then selling her home and threatening to exile her to America seems OTT even when we know his backstory.
The whole book just felt so similar to the last couple in the series — Magnus was like a combination of Lorcan St. Leger (beastly) and Captain Hardy (stern, battle hardened). Even though I love this world (Dot! Delacorte!) and laughed a LOT, the physical setting can feel a little limiting and claustrophobic when it comes to the actual love story. I think it’s time for JAL to wrap up this series and start a new one with more plot and/or angst. Maybe even return to Hellcat Canyon!
Thanks to Avon for the advance copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2024
Stars? This book is more than stars.
It's pure magic. Angsty, entirely romantic, soul satisfying....Only JAL can create this kind of utterly heart clenching thoroughly uplifting all consuming slow burn deliciousness that renders the reader absolutely enthralled. An absolutely unputdownable story. If you've been obsessed with this series so far, you won't be disappointed. If you haven't read the series....where have you been? Start now and start at the beginning.
It's pure magic. Angsty, entirely romantic, soul satisfying....Only JAL can create this kind of utterly heart clenching thoroughly uplifting all consuming slow burn deliciousness that renders the reader absolutely enthralled. An absolutely unputdownable story. If you've been obsessed with this series so far, you won't be disappointed. If you haven't read the series....where have you been? Start now and start at the beginning.
April 1, 2025
4.5/5. I forgot to write a review for this book but it definitely deserves one. This is the best JAL since the Pennyroyal Green series. It has all the ingredients for a memorable read - passion, angst and characters that the readers want to root for. Estranged married couple agree to reunite for a few months for practical reasons before they part for good. Of course the ending is foretold, but that doesn't make the journey there less gripping. Their estrangement is so civilised, but behind the facade of insouciance, there was crippling loneliness and longing which JAL did so well to portray. The tight tension, the brittle emotions, the spark which felt like it could turn into a full blown bonfire anytime, and then it did!
She hadn’t realized then that he saw the whole of life the way a chess master saw a chessboard. And that included people. And that included her.
Even an imbecile knew that if you closed your fist around a little flame in an attempt to keep it, you extinguished it instead. And, of course, you also got burned.
He’d said this aloud despite every instinct to the contrary. Perhaps because he was so painfully full of unsaid things, he craved the release of just one of them.
She stared at him. Spellbound by the gift of this information. By what he was saying and what he wasn’t saying. By his subdued, thick voice, and the tension in his features, and by how his words had been traced faintly with resentment and uneasiness at the necessity to reveal any vulnerability at all to her. For all these reasons, she was certain this was truth.
She hadn’t realized then that he saw the whole of life the way a chess master saw a chessboard. And that included people. And that included her.
Even an imbecile knew that if you closed your fist around a little flame in an attempt to keep it, you extinguished it instead. And, of course, you also got burned.
He’d said this aloud despite every instinct to the contrary. Perhaps because he was so painfully full of unsaid things, he craved the release of just one of them.
She stared at him. Spellbound by the gift of this information. By what he was saying and what he wasn’t saying. By his subdued, thick voice, and the tension in his features, and by how his words had been traced faintly with resentment and uneasiness at the necessity to reveal any vulnerability at all to her. For all these reasons, she was certain this was truth.
October 20, 2024
DNF at 35%
And so, the hit-or-miss relationship between myself and Miss Julie continues.
I had such high hopes for this one after seeing so many positive reviews on bookstagram. However, this book just felt so unnecessarily long and drawn out. There were even a few chapters from unimportant random characters that went on and on about other irrelevant characters that I skimmed entirely because they were filled with useless information and dragged on.
I liked our heroine well enough, but I wish we would have found out what her big faux pas was earlier on. It was hinted at yet avoided for so long that when we finally learned what had happened, I was disappointed in its anticlimactic reveal. Both MCs reactions seemed overly dramatic, especially Magnus. I admit that I kinda hated him as a hero; we would see glimpses of his potential to be a great brooding hero, but instead we just got more tell than show as the author simply listed his attributes instead of allowing us to see him in action (which did not show him in a kind light when we did). Overall, this book was another flop from JAL for me🖤
*ARC provided by Netgalley, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
And so, the hit-or-miss relationship between myself and Miss Julie continues.
I had such high hopes for this one after seeing so many positive reviews on bookstagram. However, this book just felt so unnecessarily long and drawn out. There were even a few chapters from unimportant random characters that went on and on about other irrelevant characters that I skimmed entirely because they were filled with useless information and dragged on.
I liked our heroine well enough, but I wish we would have found out what her big faux pas was earlier on. It was hinted at yet avoided for so long that when we finally learned what had happened, I was disappointed in its anticlimactic reveal. Both MCs reactions seemed overly dramatic, especially Magnus. I admit that I kinda hated him as a hero; we would see glimpses of his potential to be a great brooding hero, but instead we just got more tell than show as the author simply listed his attributes instead of allowing us to see him in action (which did not show him in a kind light when we did). Overall, this book was another flop from JAL for me🖤
*ARC provided by Netgalley, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
June 19, 2024
ARC provide by Edelweiss in exchange for a honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating 3.5
Review to come closer to publication.
Rating 3.5
Review to come closer to publication.
February 26, 2025
Rating: 3.5
I enjoyed The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long—especially because, if I’m being honest, I was absolutely living for Dot and Mr. Pike. They stole every scene they were in, and I’m crossing my fingers their story is next!
Of course, Alexandra and Magnus were compelling in their own right. Set against the familiar and beloved backdrop of The Grand Palace on the Thames, with its lively, ever-entertaining cast of characters, their story picks up after five years of estrangement. Their marriage, broken before it ever really began, is thrust back into the spotlight after a scandal and the bestowment of a title bring them back into proximity.
I liked both Alexandra and Magnus. Alexandra, in particular, stood out to me as a strong, complex woman. Even when her choices seemed unwise, it was clear they came from a place of desperation and frustration with her lack of agency, which made her all the more sympathetic.
That said, I struggled to fully invest in the plot. The pacing felt uneven, and Magnus’s motivations—arguably one of the most intriguing aspects of the story—weren’t explored as deeply as I hoped. It felt like a missed opportunity to peel back more layers of his character.
Still, there’s something undeniably unique about this series. Julie Anne Long masterfully balances romantic drama with the cozy, almost sitcom-like charm of the Palace and its quirky residents. It’s a world I love returning to, even when the main romance doesn’t completely win me over.
Ultimately, while Alexandra and Magnus's story didn’t entirely sweep me off my feet, the vibrant setting and unforgettable side characters kept me hooked. I’ll definitely be back for the next installment—hopefully with Dot and Mr. Pike taking center stage!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for a honest review!
I enjoyed The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long—especially because, if I’m being honest, I was absolutely living for Dot and Mr. Pike. They stole every scene they were in, and I’m crossing my fingers their story is next!
Of course, Alexandra and Magnus were compelling in their own right. Set against the familiar and beloved backdrop of The Grand Palace on the Thames, with its lively, ever-entertaining cast of characters, their story picks up after five years of estrangement. Their marriage, broken before it ever really began, is thrust back into the spotlight after a scandal and the bestowment of a title bring them back into proximity.
I liked both Alexandra and Magnus. Alexandra, in particular, stood out to me as a strong, complex woman. Even when her choices seemed unwise, it was clear they came from a place of desperation and frustration with her lack of agency, which made her all the more sympathetic.
That said, I struggled to fully invest in the plot. The pacing felt uneven, and Magnus’s motivations—arguably one of the most intriguing aspects of the story—weren’t explored as deeply as I hoped. It felt like a missed opportunity to peel back more layers of his character.
Still, there’s something undeniably unique about this series. Julie Anne Long masterfully balances romantic drama with the cozy, almost sitcom-like charm of the Palace and its quirky residents. It’s a world I love returning to, even when the main romance doesn’t completely win me over.
Ultimately, while Alexandra and Magnus's story didn’t entirely sweep me off my feet, the vibrant setting and unforgettable side characters kept me hooked. I’ll definitely be back for the next installment—hopefully with Dot and Mr. Pike taking center stage!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for a honest review!
July 2, 2025
Great ending
But I found the book a little slow to get through. I expected more fast paced action but actually the slow pace matched the slow pace of their love. I understood his pain though. He saw her kiss another man on their wedding day. Such a betrayal but she felt betrayed that her father sold her for 5000 pounds. Its all moot I guess because its five years later and they have been separated the whole time. She was celibate but I'm not sure about him. She hurt him badly. He had already decided to banish her to.America forever. Without speaking to her even. I felt sorry for both.of them. Once they started falling back in love the book got better. You could feel their love in the book. I loved the ending too. Married with four children and still deeply.in love.
But I found the book a little slow to get through. I expected more fast paced action but actually the slow pace matched the slow pace of their love. I understood his pain though. He saw her kiss another man on their wedding day. Such a betrayal but she felt betrayed that her father sold her for 5000 pounds. Its all moot I guess because its five years later and they have been separated the whole time. She was celibate but I'm not sure about him. She hurt him badly. He had already decided to banish her to.America forever. Without speaking to her even. I felt sorry for both.of them. Once they started falling back in love the book got better. You could feel their love in the book. I loved the ending too. Married with four children and still deeply.in love.
May 10, 2024
I feel like the men just keep getting sweeter and sweeter
January 4, 2025
The problem with this book is that the writing was great but the story just didn't work.
At bottom, the story here is that five years ago, Magnus fell in love with Alexandra on sight and realized that her family's situation meant that if he went to her father and offered for her for a price, she would marry him. And that's what happened, until on their wedding night, he sees her in an embrace with a man. He leaves for a diplomatic position abroad the next day alone, and they don't see each other again until he returns to England five years later to sell his townhouse, accept an elevation to the peerage, and do some damage repair with her by his side for a few weeks before sending her to America to live apart from him for the rest of their lives. While they're getting ready to sell the townhouse, they stay at the Grand Palace on the Thames.
JAL did not do the work here to get me to believe that there was a reason the two characters fell in love in the present day. There were some genuinely lovely scenes in this - the ribbon flashback comes to mind immediately - but the fundamentals of the story just completely negated any work those did. Take the aforementioned ribbon flashback - instead of presenting it as the beginning of them getting to know each other on their first acquaintance, the entire rest of the flashback scenes were about how he manipulated her father into accepting his suit, how he loved her on sight because she was beautiful, and about how she felt pressured to accept the suit to save her family and take care of them, keep the peace, etc. I don't think the flashbacks ultimately presented Magnus in a good light - he didn't really know her. And while I understood his hurt in seeing her in the embrace with the man on their wedding night, the reality is that because he reacted the way he did, I just didn't believe there was a way for them to come back together. As Alexandra explains, she'd loved the other man (a tutor who lived next door and was leaving for another post) but knew nothing could come of it long before she even knew Magnus, but it was the one choice she could make for herself, when all of her other choices were taken away from her (not explicitly said, but by the situation Magnus orchestrated).
Magnus has been reacting from hurt this whole time because, of course, he loved her from the start, although I don't get the sense that he really understood her. But what I really didn't understand was why, five years later, Alexandra fell in love with Magnus. JAL did absolutely no work to make me understand why this was going to work out, and so much of the book was spent in set up that there was no time or page space to make me believe that these characters wanted anything from each other but to bang. (And, again, don't totally understand why Alexandra wanted to bang Magnus after he forced her hand in marriage and then left her, significantly limiting her social status and basically consigning her to staying at home alone for five years.) The writing here could not overcome the fundamental issues with story structure. This series has been hit or miss for me. The highs have been high, and the lows have been low. This one was a low.
At bottom, the story here is that five years ago, Magnus fell in love with Alexandra on sight and realized that her family's situation meant that if he went to her father and offered for her for a price, she would marry him. And that's what happened, until on their wedding night, he sees her in an embrace with a man. He leaves for a diplomatic position abroad the next day alone, and they don't see each other again until he returns to England five years later to sell his townhouse, accept an elevation to the peerage, and do some damage repair with her by his side for a few weeks before sending her to America to live apart from him for the rest of their lives. While they're getting ready to sell the townhouse, they stay at the Grand Palace on the Thames.
JAL did not do the work here to get me to believe that there was a reason the two characters fell in love in the present day. There were some genuinely lovely scenes in this - the ribbon flashback comes to mind immediately - but the fundamentals of the story just completely negated any work those did. Take the aforementioned ribbon flashback - instead of presenting it as the beginning of them getting to know each other on their first acquaintance, the entire rest of the flashback scenes were about how he manipulated her father into accepting his suit, how he loved her on sight because she was beautiful, and about how she felt pressured to accept the suit to save her family and take care of them, keep the peace, etc. I don't think the flashbacks ultimately presented Magnus in a good light - he didn't really know her. And while I understood his hurt in seeing her in the embrace with the man on their wedding night, the reality is that because he reacted the way he did, I just didn't believe there was a way for them to come back together. As Alexandra explains, she'd loved the other man (a tutor who lived next door and was leaving for another post) but knew nothing could come of it long before she even knew Magnus, but it was the one choice she could make for herself, when all of her other choices were taken away from her (not explicitly said, but by the situation Magnus orchestrated).
Magnus has been reacting from hurt this whole time because, of course, he loved her from the start, although I don't get the sense that he really understood her. But what I really didn't understand was why, five years later, Alexandra fell in love with Magnus. JAL did absolutely no work to make me understand why this was going to work out, and so much of the book was spent in set up that there was no time or page space to make me believe that these characters wanted anything from each other but to bang. (And, again, don't totally understand why Alexandra wanted to bang Magnus after he forced her hand in marriage and then left her, significantly limiting her social status and basically consigning her to staying at home alone for five years.) The writing here could not overcome the fundamental issues with story structure. This series has been hit or miss for me. The highs have been high, and the lows have been low. This one was a low.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
3.5 decent ⭐️
Magnus the great war hero, buys Alexandra as a bride ( because that’s normal) and forgets to ask what she wants because conquering is what he does best! Dutifully she complies, but she kisses her beau goodbye on the wedding night, because she will never get to decide who she kisses again. That’s it. That is the book plus a lot of filler stories from the whole series. Dot, Pike and Donkeys.
Is it wrong to kiss someone else on your wedding night ? Yes of course it is, but can it be salvaged? I would hope so. So I had problems with the premise from the beginning.
The story is beautifully written and my ⭐️’s are for that reason. JAL is amazing, I would read a car manual freely had she written it.
Magnus happens to see the kiss, and feels so betrayed he leaves her for FIVE YEARS. Talk about an overreaction and a drama queen. They never corresponded in this time 🤦♀️ that didn’t work for me. He just bought her 😂 and in all of these years he never had any reflections on, what his part was in that stupid kiss, that lasted as long as the shake of a lions tale. She is taken care of, but lonely.
They meet again because she got herself into some trouble and he needs a better reputation. Slowly they become friends and fall in love. The whole plot was too thin and dainty for me. The writing makes it worth your time though.
The amount of filler stories definitely ate up the angst and romance for me, it’s like the subject, gets changed too often and hence becomes more superficial than I personally like. I want their pain, as the masochist I obviously am. I want angst and my gut to hurt for the fmc. I felt nothing. I read reviews mentioning the letter! That it was the highlight of their relationship, as I suspect might have been the plan. I guess my cynical soul did not get the memo! I think that was the freaking bare minimum!
When his reputation is restored she is to be moved to NY forever, and honestly through most of the book was like, GO GIRL. It will be fun! I didn’t really root for them.
Should you read it? For JAL and maybe closure on the series but the romance is very meh 😑
Magnus the great war hero, buys Alexandra as a bride ( because that’s normal) and forgets to ask what she wants because conquering is what he does best! Dutifully she complies, but she kisses her beau goodbye on the wedding night, because she will never get to decide who she kisses again. That’s it. That is the book plus a lot of filler stories from the whole series. Dot, Pike and Donkeys.
Is it wrong to kiss someone else on your wedding night ? Yes of course it is, but can it be salvaged? I would hope so. So I had problems with the premise from the beginning.
The story is beautifully written and my ⭐️’s are for that reason. JAL is amazing, I would read a car manual freely had she written it.
Magnus happens to see the kiss, and feels so betrayed he leaves her for FIVE YEARS. Talk about an overreaction and a drama queen. They never corresponded in this time 🤦♀️ that didn’t work for me. He just bought her 😂 and in all of these years he never had any reflections on, what his part was in that stupid kiss, that lasted as long as the shake of a lions tale. She is taken care of, but lonely.
They meet again because she got herself into some trouble and he needs a better reputation. Slowly they become friends and fall in love. The whole plot was too thin and dainty for me. The writing makes it worth your time though.
The amount of filler stories definitely ate up the angst and romance for me, it’s like the subject, gets changed too often and hence becomes more superficial than I personally like. I want their pain, as the masochist I obviously am. I want angst and my gut to hurt for the fmc. I felt nothing. I read reviews mentioning the letter! That it was the highlight of their relationship, as I suspect might have been the plan. I guess my cynical soul did not get the memo! I think that was the freaking bare minimum!
When his reputation is restored she is to be moved to NY forever, and honestly through most of the book was like, GO GIRL. It will be fun! I didn’t really root for them.
Should you read it? For JAL and maybe closure on the series but the romance is very meh 😑
December 19, 2024
Book #8 in The Palace of Rogues series — with marriage-in-trouble, second chance tropes. Loved it!! The angst is phenomenal!! Wow. Is it just me or is this series getting better and better with every new book. If you haven’t read this series yet I highly encourage it. 5 stars. Rtc.
January 15, 2025
dnf magnus schmagnus and his flakey brat wife, did not have patience to slog through
January 20, 2025
This could be my favorite of the series.
November 11, 2024
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
Forever starts today....
First Impressions
The Beast Takes A Bride is the most recent addition to the "The Palace of Rogues" by Julie Anne Long. This is a story that features a retelling as well as a marriage in trouble and I have to say that this book was beyond beautiful and heartfelt and the best cozy vibes. If you love a good regency cozy feels, then this is a series that you must be reading. Julie Anne Long is a brilliant historical romance author, but you definitely need to be in the right mood for cozy historical or try out the audio, its superb in every way. This is also a very unique setup and I guarantee it won't be the story that you expect, but you will fall in love with Magnus and Alexandra.
Finally, she laid her head back down on his chest. She listened to the precious, steady thump, thump, thump of his battered, stubborn, vulnerable, flawed, foolish heart.
Her own foolish heart beat in time with his now.
First Line
Three of them were thieves (a silver candlestick, a half dozen handkerchiefs, a wheel of cheese, respectively), another one was a forger, and the fifth one had stabbed her husband in the leg.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Colonel Magnus Brightwell
The Heroine: Alexandra Bellamy
n the dark, they could be anyone: any man, any woman, any two creatures who’d stumbled across each other and had gotten it into their heads to fornicate, rather than two people who had inadvertently ruined each other’s lives. It needn’t have significance. It needn’t mean surrender. It didn’t change a thing.
But she might have noticed that his fingertips trembled as they slowly glided over her skin, mapping out the magical terrain of her, showing her the secret places where pleasure hid.
Summary
Alexandra and Magnus have been married for five years and its been a very lonely five years for both of them. Magnus once fell hard for Alexandra, but when he comes upon her on their wedding day in the arms of another man, his secret love for her is spurned and he leaves her in England while he becomes a war hero. Its been five years and he has returned and Alexandra has become immersed in a scandal and they retired to the Palace of Rogues for refuge while the scandal dies down. Magnus, while determined to keep her at arm's length can fall prey to love's sting once again, but will he let her go or trust that her love for him will be enough for her to be willing to fight for what they have discovered together?
Once when he lay bleeding on a battlefield, a hail of moments from his life had pelted his consciousness, cach distinct as a portrait. The first time he saw The Honorable Alexandra Bellamy was a bit like that: a few thousand simultaneous convictions and desires assailed him.
He would kill for her.
or die for her.
Whatever she required of him, he would do it.
What I Loved
This book packed such a punch straight to the heart and you just know that this author is so capable of doing and what a strike. Man I still am left breathless while writing this review and I still don't know if this review will bring this book justice. I will warn you that there are flashbacks a bit but its in the first half of the book and doesn't drag on but the flashbacks are done in a way that just fits so smoothly with the story so it won't be too hard to adjust to them because it tells the backstory and you do need to read these scenes or the story will not make sense at all. Its just the way in which this author has written this story and I found it so fascinating the way that she went about it.
This is a story of pining love, and betrayal and learning to forgive and a marriage in trouble. Because when Magnus returns he gives Alexandra a ultimatum, she either retires to America on one of his estates, or she will be forced to return to live with her father and have such the minimum of funds. Alexandra has ached to atone for past mistakes and not fighting for her marriage harder. Magnus was an abandoned baby, and learned to work hard at a young age, but never had someone truly love him in return, he always had to fight with everything to get any respect. And Alexandra hurt him on the one day when he had so much hope for the future for them.
But Magnus is tortured and hurt and keeps a shield of ice around his heart and doesn't want to let anyone in. But the more time that Magnus and Alexandra spend time together in the Palace of Rogues, the forced proximity, only brings to the surface the feelings of desire and love that was once deeply buried for them both. The greatest test of love though will be for Magnus, because he will have to risk being hurt again to have the kind of future that he dreams to have for Alexandra. And from the sweet moments they have together, to the ways in which Alexandra has to fight for Magnus, it melted my heart. I loved that the author wrote a story of a heroine that has to prove her love to the hero. And I adored every single moment.
The ending was the best part of this book. Be prepared for a story to wrap you up so deeply in poignant emotion. Literally the third act and the ending of this story put this book from a 4 star to a 4.5 star rating for me, that is how good it is. Literally this author had me dissolving into happy joyful tears and one of the most satisfying endings I have read in a long while. And that future epilogue seeing them as parents really took the cake on that one.
My heart is […] yours. I’m afraid there’s not much I can do about that. I hope you will not view it as a burden; I shall make no demands upon it. I have no need of it anymore, for I can’t imagine giving it to anyone else ever again. […]
Perhaps one day you will find forgiveness in your heart for a man who knew everything about war but nothing about love.
I loved you then. I love you now.
I love you always.
What I Struggled With
The pacing of the story is a bit slow in the beginning and this series isn't the most engaging. So if you struggle with pacing of historicals, read this in audio if you can or just be patient with it. There is also a some sideline stories features the guests of the palace of rogues location they are staying in and I didn't feel like that was needed. I think it would better if these scenes were done in some novella's.
Narration
BRILLIANT!!! You want to keep it slower though, I couldn't have it more than 1.3x speed but surprisingly I was able to stay engaged and she really handled the emotional aspect of the story very well.
Overall View
The Beast Takes A Bride is a heartwarming romance of healing, redemption, and learning to love again.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Era, Set in England
Character Types: Tortured Hero, Military Hero
Themes: Mutual Pining, Married Pairing, Marriage in Trouble
Tropes: Second Chance Love, Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Lisa Kleypas
Lorraine Heath
Elisa Braden
Song This Book Inspires
All is Fair in Love and War by Kris Bowers
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone if needed. But I would recommend reading the first two books of the series prior to this one at least for background on the Palace of Rogues.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Justine Eyre
June 6, 2025
3.5 decent ⭐️
Magnus the great war hero, buys Alexandra as a bride ( because that’s normal) and forgets to ask what she wants because conquering is what he does best! Dutifully she complies, but she kisses her beau goodbye on the wedding night, because she will never get to decide who she kisses again. That’s it. That is the book plus a lot of filler stories from the whole series. Dot, Pike and Donkeys.
Is it wrong to kiss someone else on your wedding night ? Yes of course it is, but can it be salvaged? I would hope so. So I had problems with the premise from the beginning.
The story is beautifully written and my ⭐️’s are for that reason. JAL is amazing, I would read a car manual freely had she written it.
Magnus happens to see the kiss, and feels so betrayed he leaves her for FIVE YEARS. Talk about an overreaction and a drama queen. They never corresponded in this time 🤦♀️ that didn’t work for me. He just bought her 😂 and in all of these years he never had any reflections on, what his part was in that stupid kiss, that lasted as long as the shake of a lions tale. She is taken care of, but lonely.
They meet again because she got herself into some trouble and he needs a better reputation. Slowly they become friends and fall in love. The whole plot was too thin and dainty for me. The writing makes it worth your time though.
The amount of filler stories definitely ate up the angst and romance for me, it’s like the subject, gets changed too often and hence becomes more superficial than I personally like. I want their pain, as the masochist I obviously am. I want angst and my gut to hurt for the fmc. I felt nothing. I read reviews mentioning the letter! That it was the highlight of their relationship, as I suspect might have been the plan. I guess my cynical soul did not get the memo! I think that was the freaking bare minimum!
When his reputation is restored she is to be moved to NY forever, and honestly through most of the book was like, GO GIRL. It will be fun! I didn’t really root for them.
Should you read it? For JAL and maybe closure on the series but the romance is very meh 😑
Magnus the great war hero, buys Alexandra as a bride ( because that’s normal) and forgets to ask what she wants because conquering is what he does best! Dutifully she complies, but she kisses her beau goodbye on the wedding night, because she will never get to decide who she kisses again. That’s it. That is the book plus a lot of filler stories from the whole series. Dot, Pike and Donkeys.
Is it wrong to kiss someone else on your wedding night ? Yes of course it is, but can it be salvaged? I would hope so. So I had problems with the premise from the beginning.
The story is beautifully written and my ⭐️’s are for that reason. JAL is amazing, I would read a car manual freely had she written it.
Magnus happens to see the kiss, and feels so betrayed he leaves her for FIVE YEARS. Talk about an overreaction and a drama queen. They never corresponded in this time 🤦♀️ that didn’t work for me. He just bought her 😂 and in all of these years he never had any reflections on, what his part was in that stupid kiss, that lasted as long as the shake of a lions tale. She is taken care of, but lonely.
They meet again because she got herself into some trouble and he needs a better reputation. Slowly they become friends and fall in love. The whole plot was too thin and dainty for me. The writing makes it worth your time though.
The amount of filler stories definitely ate up the angst and romance for me, it’s like the subject, gets changed too often and hence becomes more superficial than I personally like. I want their pain, as the masochist I obviously am. I want angst and my gut to hurt for the fmc. I felt nothing. I read reviews mentioning the letter! That it was the highlight of their relationship, as I suspect might have been the plan. I guess my cynical soul did not get the memo! I think that was the freaking bare minimum!
When his reputation is restored she is to be moved to NY forever, and honestly through most of the book was like, GO GIRL. It will be fun! I didn’t really root for them.
Should you read it? For JAL and maybe closure on the series but the romance is very meh 😑
November 18, 2024
So fun and so sweet. I swear no one writes them like Julie Anne Long.
We open in a jail cell, and that’s where we meet our heroine. The wife of a famed war hero… who possible stole a carriage but manages to charm her cell mates. That’s also where we meet our hero, when he comes to rescue her. But the rescue isn’t necessary all happiness and rainbows, because they are married but have been estranged for years. Then they go to stay at the Grand Palace on the Thames, and finally get to know one another, and also fall in love.
This was such a great story. Magnus seems so hard but he just wants to be LOVED. And Alexandra made mistakes but she’s a good person. I loved seeing them grow into a couple and fall for one another. They both had quite a bit of pain and disappointment to work through but you could tell early on they went together perfectly.
As always, the side characters at the Grand Palace are so fun. I love checking in on our past couples. The donkey races with Mr. Delacorte were such a fun addition! And y’all, I am still waiting on Dot to get her story!
We open in a jail cell, and that’s where we meet our heroine. The wife of a famed war hero… who possible stole a carriage but manages to charm her cell mates. That’s also where we meet our hero, when he comes to rescue her. But the rescue isn’t necessary all happiness and rainbows, because they are married but have been estranged for years. Then they go to stay at the Grand Palace on the Thames, and finally get to know one another, and also fall in love.
This was such a great story. Magnus seems so hard but he just wants to be LOVED. And Alexandra made mistakes but she’s a good person. I loved seeing them grow into a couple and fall for one another. They both had quite a bit of pain and disappointment to work through but you could tell early on they went together perfectly.
As always, the side characters at the Grand Palace are so fun. I love checking in on our past couples. The donkey races with Mr. Delacorte were such a fun addition! And y’all, I am still waiting on Dot to get her story!
October 21, 2025
Would you still love me if I was a fountain?
This was DELIGHTFUL!
I need to go and review the ratings of the last two historical romance novels I've read because Julie Anne Long reminded me how it's done.
The yearning, the vulnerability, the heartbreak, the humour, the prose that seems so subtle but can pack such a punch.
There are no fillers here - every piece of dialogue, every action is deliberate.
The hero aggressively taking his coat off worked a million times better than 20 pages of graphic sex scenes in a lesser book. Everything is full of meaning, what's spoken and what is not spoken.
"Alexandra," he said softly. "Do you think I'm actually made of stone?"
And I am a puddle. A PUDDLE. Everything here was so tender it made feel all kinds of feelings no book has made me feel in a long while.
And did I mention it was funny? I actually laughed out loud a few times, because these characters were genuinely witty.
Maybe I love it so much, because maybe estranged spouses is a trope I love unknowingly?
My favourite romance novel is Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas, and the premise is somewhat similar. It seems that I am simply cruel and if the characters didn't somehow pine for each other for 5-10 years I'm just not that interested.
I have read only one book by Julie Anne Long-twelve years ago, apparently-and I was equally impressed by the nuance and the deliberateness of all her literary choices.
I am beyond excited to learn there is a significant back list now that I can dive into head first.
This was DELIGHTFUL!
I need to go and review the ratings of the last two historical romance novels I've read because Julie Anne Long reminded me how it's done.
The yearning, the vulnerability, the heartbreak, the humour, the prose that seems so subtle but can pack such a punch.
There are no fillers here - every piece of dialogue, every action is deliberate.
The hero aggressively taking his coat off worked a million times better than 20 pages of graphic sex scenes in a lesser book. Everything is full of meaning, what's spoken and what is not spoken.
"Alexandra," he said softly. "Do you think I'm actually made of stone?"
And I am a puddle. A PUDDLE. Everything here was so tender it made feel all kinds of feelings no book has made me feel in a long while.
And did I mention it was funny? I actually laughed out loud a few times, because these characters were genuinely witty.
Maybe I love it so much, because maybe estranged spouses is a trope I love unknowingly?
My favourite romance novel is Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas, and the premise is somewhat similar. It seems that I am simply cruel and if the characters didn't somehow pine for each other for 5-10 years I'm just not that interested.
I have read only one book by Julie Anne Long-twelve years ago, apparently-and I was equally impressed by the nuance and the deliberateness of all her literary choices.
I am beyond excited to learn there is a significant back list now that I can dive into head first.
December 31, 2025
Beautifully done!
My 3rd 5 stars ⭐️ this year
I love it!
My 3rd 5 stars ⭐️ this year
I love it!
January 21, 2025
My Favorite of the Series So Far
4.75 stars
This was my favorite of the series so far.
I really enjoyed Alexandra and Magnus's story.
Something about them just dig deep into my heart and kept me invested in them from the first page to the last. They were fantastic characters to read about.
Add to that the parts the other characters played. Delacorte made me laugh out loud a few times. And Dot did not disappoint!
And the donkey race was hilarious to read about.
The steam throughout was warm and intimate and lovely.
The pace of the story was spot on.
Definitely, in my opinion the best written story in this series!
4.75 stars
This was my favorite of the series so far.
I really enjoyed Alexandra and Magnus's story.
Something about them just dig deep into my heart and kept me invested in them from the first page to the last. They were fantastic characters to read about.
Add to that the parts the other characters played. Delacorte made me laugh out loud a few times. And Dot did not disappoint!
And the donkey race was hilarious to read about.
The steam throughout was warm and intimate and lovely.
The pace of the story was spot on.
Definitely, in my opinion the best written story in this series!
January 1, 2026
Solid 3.5.
The bleh first:
1) The Grand Palace on the Thames recurring cast is a major element of this series, so we always get a lot of them, but in this book it was too much. Not because I dislike them--I don't actually mind the regulars in general. But in this book they were subsisting mostly on an EXTENDED substanceless subplot of everyone commenting on how loud a newlywed tenant couple's sex was. At a certain point harping over your housemates' sex noises is less titillating than juvenile.
2) Poor Dot. Dot the hapless maid's slow burn background romance with Pike is just not something I care about. It's not interesting because Dot is very annoying. She is a stupid girl. I do not like her.
3) We are writing quickly, yes, but a number of times in this book phrases got repeated that had no business being repeated. Threw me out a bit.
GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS BOOK
1) I loved the main characters. Alexandra is charming, energetic, and steely-nerved. Magnus is a kind of supermasculine giant who isn't my type in general but his head is so twisted on backwards that I really enjoyed him.
2) Alexandra and Magnus's respective guilt and hurt pride clash against each other for most of the book in a way I found compelling. It COULD have sucked, except!!! I appreciated very very much when after most of the book, Alexandra finally said, Listen, FROM CONVERSATION COMES UNDERSTANDING!
3) I like the Donkey race because I like donkeys.
4) Honestly rode the line between between Magnus being controlling and Magnus being a distressed goofus pretty well, because I was like INCHES from hating him but liked the way JAL pulled it off with, again, CONVERSATION.
5) A few times this book hurt my feelings <3
Overall a jolly time and I continue enjoying reading this series 100% out of order because sometimes!!! You just read the one!!! That's in front of you!!!
The bleh first:
1) The Grand Palace on the Thames recurring cast is a major element of this series, so we always get a lot of them, but in this book it was too much. Not because I dislike them--I don't actually mind the regulars in general. But in this book they were subsisting mostly on an EXTENDED substanceless subplot of everyone commenting on how loud a newlywed tenant couple's sex was. At a certain point harping over your housemates' sex noises is less titillating than juvenile.
2) Poor Dot. Dot the hapless maid's slow burn background romance with Pike is just not something I care about. It's not interesting because Dot is very annoying. She is a stupid girl. I do not like her.
3) We are writing quickly, yes, but a number of times in this book phrases got repeated that had no business being repeated. Threw me out a bit.
GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS BOOK
1) I loved the main characters. Alexandra is charming, energetic, and steely-nerved. Magnus is a kind of supermasculine giant who isn't my type in general but his head is so twisted on backwards that I really enjoyed him.
2) Alexandra and Magnus's respective guilt and hurt pride clash against each other for most of the book in a way I found compelling. It COULD have sucked, except!!! I appreciated very very much when after most of the book, Alexandra finally said, Listen, FROM CONVERSATION COMES UNDERSTANDING!
3) I like the Donkey race because I like donkeys.
4) Honestly rode the line between between Magnus being controlling and Magnus being a distressed goofus pretty well, because I was like INCHES from hating him but liked the way JAL pulled it off with, again, CONVERSATION.
5) A few times this book hurt my feelings <3
Overall a jolly time and I continue enjoying reading this series 100% out of order because sometimes!!! You just read the one!!! That's in front of you!!!
September 28, 2024
I wasn’t expecting this one to be quite as angsty as it was, but The Beast Takes a Bride might be my new favorite! Though this is the 8th book in the series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Previous characters do appear however and it would be most appreciated if read in order.
Second chance/marriage in crisis are tricky tropes for me. So much hinges on the cause of the separation/issue and normally one MC is more to blame. This was a rare case where both/neither were equally at fault. I could understand the situation from both perspectives and it left my heart hurting. Julie Anne Long makes readers work for this one and the slow burn romance was so well done. The pining was also next level and that pink ribbon almost did me in. I loved watching Magnus and Alexandra finally get a chance to know each other and choose (in a roundabout way) to fall in love.
As always, catching up with the residents at The Grand Palace on the Thames is absolutely wonderful and hilarious. It’s so great to be able to see their happily ever afters continue. We also seem to be getting closer to a Dot and Pike pairing (finally!) I can’t wait for the next book!
CW: death of parent (past), grief, parental abandonment/orphan (past), poverty, war/death, financial problems, war injury
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
Second chance/marriage in crisis are tricky tropes for me. So much hinges on the cause of the separation/issue and normally one MC is more to blame. This was a rare case where both/neither were equally at fault. I could understand the situation from both perspectives and it left my heart hurting. Julie Anne Long makes readers work for this one and the slow burn romance was so well done. The pining was also next level and that pink ribbon almost did me in. I loved watching Magnus and Alexandra finally get a chance to know each other and choose (in a roundabout way) to fall in love.
As always, catching up with the residents at The Grand Palace on the Thames is absolutely wonderful and hilarious. It’s so great to be able to see their happily ever afters continue. We also seem to be getting closer to a Dot and Pike pairing (finally!) I can’t wait for the next book!
CW: death of parent (past), grief, parental abandonment/orphan (past), poverty, war/death, financial problems, war injury
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
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