The Palace of Rogues has become a cozy, warm, inviting place to come and spend a while every year. This book was no exception, with the return of beloved characters who have spanned the series and bring humor and warmth to the story. Julie Anne Long writes the emotional connection and feeling so well, she really makes you believe in the power of the connection of these characters. That being said, she did write another age-gap romance which she really seems to like. And while ultimately this was a pleasant, warm, and sweet story, it wasn't my favorite of the series. But that didn't mean it wasn't a nice place to while some time away. The Grand Palace of Rogues feels almost as cozy as visiting Grandma's house in some ways!

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher, for an e-arc in excahnge for my honest opinion.

This book has stuck with me weeks after reading it. I loved Kirke, this gregarious but gruff rake who is introverted and doesn't get close to anyone, but rakes around with mistresses who he doesn’t let into his heart. I also liked the fact that he was commoner who was exalted into the aristocracy for his public works. Usually I’m not a huge fan of the older/younger trope, but their dynamic worked really well. Furthermore his huge romantic overture is not one I have read before and it was original and memorable. I love this author and this series but I enjoyed this book, would reread again as it definitely left me with a smile on my face.

I know other readers are getting sick of the Grand Palace on the Thames but I am happy to say I am not!!

Lord Dominic Kirke is definitely one of my favorite heroes of the series. He is such a sweet man to Catherine even as he holds everyone else at bay. It is easy to see why he would love someone like Catherine because she is kind and gentle with just a touch of sass.

I love the wordplay between characters in this series. Part of the reason I love historical romance is the banter between characters that is often absent from more contemporary romances, and Long is excellent at writing witty banter.

I would say I’m looking forward to the next title, but since I’ve already read it and love it too I won’t!

*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

2 Stars! Liked the ending but this book dragged on from start to finish. It was too wordy & I just didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it, but it just didn’t work for me which is weird considering all the 4 & 5 star reviews! Is it just me?! Am I losing my love of the romance genre?! I found the main characters, Catherine & Dominic, boring & incompatible for most of the book. A lot of the book felt unnecessary to the love story, like the book went on and on so the author could hit her word count. I skimmed through most of the book after trying to get into it and not being able to.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

I think this book is my favorite of the series! Long’s female characters are always likeable and strong in their own way. The hero’s are flawed but so darn memorable and in love with their women. I especially liked Lord Kirk, for all his outstanding characteristics he was also so easy to love. A visit with all the wonderful characters at the Grand Palace on the Thames was just what I needed.

I am going to be blunt and honest, because that is the only way I know how to be: This is not my favorite in the Palace of Rogues series.

I really, really genuinely enjoyed, How to Tame a Wild Rogue and I think one of the things that drew me into that book was the cover. I want that cover framed on my wall. This cover, on the other hand, has something about it that really turns me off. I’m not sure if it is the man staring into the reader’s eyes, or his arrogant eyebrow lift, or what, but the more I process my thoughts on paper, the more I realize that it totally fits into his characterization. So maybe it is the heroine. Why are her eyes closed? Why is she in la la land? She is being portrayed that she is so unaware of what is going on.

But, if she is a clover, shouldn’t she seem more down to earth and less comfortable with intimacy?

There was so much that I enjoyed about this series, especially how the forced proximity makes each couple spend time together and fall in love. Even here, Dominic and Catherine find “serendipity” as Delilah says in the Epilogue, and the comfort in the Grand Palace on the Thames helps each couple to feel comfortable enough that they let themselves fall in love.

It is so special how each couple has their unique thing that they can bond over, and Catherine and Dominic bonding over hiding away at large parties is so romantic and intimate and endearing, that Dominic begins to respect their “thing” that he begins seeking her out at the balls.

But what stands out to me so much, and is something that I will remember about this book is the grand gesture! Dominic mentions to Catherine that if she were a flower, she would be a clover, and she is completely offended by this. The readers, at least, are left wondering if there is more to the story. And boy is there more to this story!

***Spoiler alert*** He gives a speech at Parliament about how much the clover fields near his home mean to him, and I thought this was just so perfectly entwined in both of their characterizations that it was brilliant! The man who is known for his moving speeches in parliament, gives a speech about how much he loves the woman who he compared to clovers, knowing that this said woman always reads his speeches in the newspaper with her father. I can only think of one other GRAND GESTURE this big which is in Day of the Duchess that so completely recognized and acknowledged the characterization of both of the characters. And because of this, I learned so much about the craft of writing, and what is important in my own book that I am writing. I am looking forward to rereading this book very soon, to enjoy it all over again.

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

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

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

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

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

Been waiting for Catherine’s and Dominic’s story. Love the Palace of Rogues series and this book did not disappoint. Lead you on a romantic adventure filled with wit and charm. Great read!

Julie Anne Long is one of my favorite authors in romance and this story did not disappoint. I only disappointed myself because I didn't have time to read the earlier books in this series before jumping into this one, but I didn't get the sense that I was lost without the other books, the setting of the grand palace on the thames is the overarching theme in this series. Like most of her books, this story was a slow burn with a lot of character growth.

I think this series may have run its course for me- I didn't like the story, or the characters, and I only finished it because I wanted to know how it ended. I found it to be utterly charmless and frankly annoying at times. Sigh.

Did I like anything? Dot's potential romance with the new footman. Other than that, I guess I liked Catherine as a person? She is a thoughtful, kind girl with a good head on her shoulders. I just don't like her with Dominic! I think I liked him too as a character, but not with Catherine.

Dominic is so much older than her, which is one thing, and his traumatic, somewhat scandalous past is also a factor. But the thing that annoyed me most was that he knew he was interested in her from the beginning, and he was selfish enough to get involved with her, knowing that he didn't want to offer her marriage or anything honorable. Have some self control, man! I just might be tired of the youthful debutante and the thirty something guy who is world-weary. Dominic would have been great paired with a slightly older heroine! Or even in a story with a woman not pursuing marriage but they fall in love anyway. Dominic's grand gesture to her is sweet, and I like both of their stories, but I don't like them together.

We also have no sense that Catherine would have a happy life as Dominic's political hostess? I just thought the elements here don't really work. I found it to be very discordant.

Kirke + Keats 4 Eva! A sweet romance that slowly builds, both main character slow share part of themselves during unintentional meetups as Keats hides behind plants at balls. The cover doesn't do this book justice because he's thoughtful and considerate (and not slimy). The age gaps is taken seriously by the MMC. We're brought back to the usual cast of characters at The Grand Palace on the Thames.

As much as I enjoy Julie Anne Long's works, this particular story was very hard for me to get into. Though Catherine and Dominic were solid characters they to me missed that extra spark that normally draws me in. Perhaps this was due in part to the plot, which seemed to be a bit lacking in excitement.

Still, I would say the book is well written and Perhaps worth a revisit down the road.

CW: Death of a parent (off-page); bullying; references to child abuse, pregnancy, abandonment, fire

I’ve been trying to figure out how to put my feelings into words for over a week now, as this book was so magical. It’s been living rent-free in my head since I finished it, and I think it might be one of the most romantic books I’ve read in a long time. And just when you think The Palace of Rogues series can’t get any better, Julie Anne Long knocks it out of the park again.

I always say that returning to the Grand Palace on the Thames (TGPOTT) feels like coming home, and that’s so true with this book. Even though it felt like we spent less time here than usual, as this book features a lot of balls and activities of the Season, TGPOTT continues to play a central role in Catherine and Lord Dominic Kirke’s love story. The fact that there is just a floor separating the two of them lends itself to a great first meeting and adds a delicious tension to the story that left me swooning at points.

Dominic is not your traditional lord. First, he’s Welsh and earned his title through his years of dedicated service in the House of Commons, where he fights for those who are voiceless. He’s known as a great orator, and boy, does he prove that in the end! He’s scandalous, incredibly direct, and a bit cold, but he is also passionate about what matters to him. He will move mountains to make things right but also shows that he cares in small ways. He’s a complex character that I couldn’t help but be drawn to as he’s got this air to him that draws people in, yet it also feels like he’s keeping people at an arm’s distance. I couldn’t wait to uncover all the layers of him.

With Catherine, there is an innocence to her, but she also feels like an old soul, so much so that I kept forgetting she’s only 22. Having lost her mother at a young age and having helped her physician father over the years as an assistant, she also understands that life isn’t always kind and the importance of living for the now. She’s not good at all the mind games that come with being a part of the Season – she just wants to find a husband, security, and hopefully, happiness so that she won’t be alone once her father passes.

These two don’t seem like a match on paper, but my god, the chemistry between them! The romance is a slowburn, but it’s the best kind of slow burn with all the feelings that are just simmering under the surface. And all those little moments – a touch of the hands, a caress of the cheeks, a whisper of a name – really build the tension, as well as the intimacy between them. They truly get to know each other on a deeper level, which makes the whole story feel romantic and tender. They cannot help but be drawn to each other and I love how they keep unconsciously seeking each other out at Society events. As they get to know each other, the feelings just build and build and I just wanted them together so badly.

Seriously, I loved this romance so much, but it was also killing me. It’s so tender, emotional, and romantic. But it’s also tinged with sadness and a bit of pain. I feel I’m doing a terrible job describing this, but just know this romance hit me right in the FEELS. They both feel so deeply for each other, but he has an incredibly high wall up that he doesn’t want her to climb until he’s ready to let her see the truth of him. And he’s so scared she’ll push him away, but the way she understands him and empathizes with him is beautiful. Ugh, my heart! I also kept forgetting that this is a bit of an age gap (he’s about 13 years older than her), which is not my favorite trope, but somehow, Julie Anne Long can always make it work.

The conflict towards the end really added to the tension in this story. I was so heartbroken for both of them! But all this leads to one of the most beautiful, epic declarations of love I’ve read in a long time. It’s a declaration of love for the history books (literally!) and one that brings a tear to my eye just thinking of it. It also fits these characters so well, making it all the more special in the end. It’s the perfect culmination of all the feelings and emotions, and literally so incredibly beautiful – I love it so much!

I feel like I’ve truly done a terrible job capturing all the emotions this book gave me while reading it. Every beat of the story just hit the right note for me every time, leading to an utterly captivating historical romance. There is the perfect amount of angst in this that gave me all the feelings. I fell deeply in love with Catherine and Dominic and their love story. Words really cannot do justice to the feelings this book gave me and how beautifully crafted the story is.

I literally cannot recommend this book enough! Do yourself a favor and pick it up, even if you haven’t read the other books in the series. You don’t have to read the previous books in The Palace of Rogues to enjoy this gem, but I swear there isn’t a single bad book out of the bunch. So, if you haven’t read this series yet, now is the time to dive in so you can treat yourself to this delicious historical romance series.

Thank you to Avon/Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts, ideas. and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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

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

Catherine's father, a country physician, is ailing so he wanted her to go to London for a Season to find a husband before he dies to know she'll be taken care of in the future. The village vicar tells her about The Grand Palace on the Thames, a boardinghouse he once visited. That's where she meets Lord Dominic Kirke, 13 years her senior; notorious, arrogant, ruthless, formidable, he's at the Grand Palace because his mistress threw a lamp at his head and burned down his house. He's a brilliant orator in the House of Lords, fighting for those who don't have a voice and to stop child labor. When Catherine's chaperone would rather gamble than introduce her to prospective husbands, Dominic steps in to give her the backgrounds of her potential husbands. When he dances with Catherine, he sets off talk and raises her popularity. It's a delight to revisit the residents of the Grand Palace, Dot and Mr. Delacorte are my favorites. Catherine has to forgive a numskull move on Dominic's part and they both have to come to terms with his past. A long epilogue takes a look at their future together. Overall an entertaining entry in the series.

Julie Anne Long is an author who keeps on giving and giving and giving and this was another wonderful book by her. I love her dialogue, how thoughtful and careful her characters are, and obviously how sexy and in love :). This series keeps hitting and I can't wait to read what's next.

I have loved this series from the start and I always know what I'm going to get with each book.

I looooooooooved Catherine and Kirke. She's sweet and sunshine, he's crunchy and stoic. Together they have loads of banter, button pushing for days, and an undeniable about of chemistry. I loved the scenes of these two sitting by plants, trading barbs.

Plot wise, it's good. There is a good amount of inner monologue, but the dialogue makes for the long passages. Of course, the scenes with everyone in the drawing room are some of the best and I could have done with a million more pages.

Overall, each book is like coming back inside from the cold to find a warm fire: it's comforting and cozy. I will forever read these books.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

I am a huge JAL fan. I love Pennyroyal Green, but I think I may love the Palace of Rogues series even more. I just adore the cast of characters and the way she's giving us such consistently excellent love stories along with growth for our main cast. Age gap is hit or miss for me but it was done so well here, and the banter was top notch. Can't recommend this series and this book enough!

THANK YOU NETGALLEY!!

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

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

That's NOT the case here!

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

(But I still hate the cover)

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

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

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

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

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

Wholeheartedly 5 star read.

1000 stars I did not want to put it down. Julie Anne Long is one of my absolute favorite authors. This story is definitely top shelf level. You have Catherine who is a young, somewhat simple country gal finding her way in the Season. Lord Dominic who is older and known as a rake. This is the only place that these two may ever meet and interact. You will love this story. It has all that cozy, romantic romance you love feeling but add in all the extra spice and intrigue. Perfect combination. The wit and banter and the wonderful skill that Long has for creating those thought out conversations you want to be apart of make you want to keep reading. Top it off with chemistry and real connection with the characters and you get the perfect story. This was my first from this series and I can’t wait to read them all. I just love how reading this story makes me feel. You will enjoy this adventure.