A London season is the chance of a lifetime for Catherine Keating. But the ton’s glitter and decadence and casual cruelty threaten to crush her hopes of finding a husband before her season even begins…until she accidentally acquires one of the most scandalous men in England as a secret chaperone.
Famously fiery Lord Dominic Kirke can hold the House of Commons—and any woman he chooses— in thrall. But when his house goes up in flames in the dead of night, he finds himself at the Grand Palace on the Thames. And there he discovers his cynical armor is no match for another guest: an innocent country girl with a crackling wit and eyes like a summer sky.
He’s maddening, elusive, hopelessly charismatic, wrong in every way—perfectly designed to break her heart. But she doesn’t know she holds his battered heart in her hands. And though it will destroy him, Dominic knows loving her means setting Catherine free for the life—and man—she deserves.
Release Date: Apr 23, 2024
Series: The Palace of Rogues
Book: 7
Heat Level: Scorching
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Price: $6.99
Julie Ann Long does it again! This time with a country debutante and a notorious rake with the power of persuasion.
I love The Palace of Rogues series, and if you haven’t been reading it, this is my moment to ask, why not? Besides a memorable cast of side characters that show up book after book, Long continues to show her depth in developing characters from all different types of backgrounds that make you care for them and also rope you into wanting them to find the person who will make them complete.
We have debutante Catherine Keating, new to London and for her first season. Without her Aunt guiding her way, her only chaperone is a woman with more interest in gambling, though she’s doing her best to make the most of this trip. Including getting the pleasure of staying at the Grand Palace on the Thames. Disaster would strike there because that’s where Catherine meets the fiery leader of the House of Commons, Lord Dominic Kirke, who’s only staying while his house is repaired from a fire. Let’s not mention he’s a rake or that he’s never been known to give any young woman singular attention… until now.
Watching Dominic fall for Catherine is glorious. Of course, she’s attracted to his mind, his kind manner (which he doesn’t have for just anyone), and his persuasive way of talking. He makes the simplest things sound seductive or romantic. Dominic sees Catherine as a young woman who will easily be eaten alive by the wolves of the Ton. Naturally, he finds her witty mind and pretty smiles so undeserving of such a fate and tries to help her avoid catastrophe. These two, as they fall head over heels, are equal parts maddening and can’t-stop-turning-the-pages.
April is definitely the month for slow burns because this one was another creeping, crawling path for two people coming together (with very good reason). Still, I was glued to keep going just to see if Dominic would ever kiss Catherine and then to see if he had the sense to stay away. Hehe… he did not. Thank goodness. Watching the fall is almost as sweet as the happily ever after.
I know you’re going to laugh at all my reviews this month and how they are all high, but the authors are bringing some fantastic stories to the table, and this one is no exception. P.S. You have to read it if you want to see how Dot continues to evolve because one day, she’s going to get her HEA.
~ Landra
Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Google Play